How to Be Happily Married While Homeschooling

July 10, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

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Happily Married While Homeschooling?

Happily Married and Homeschooling, podcast episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie Young.

Everyone tells you that homeschooling isn’t an educational choice, but a lifestyle! Should we be surprised if we discover that homeschooling has an impact on our marriage? It’s true, and if we’re not watchful, our marriage could be a weak spot in our family’s new endeavor. Hal and Melanie have been married for 27 years and homeschooling for 20, and this week they share some ideas of stumbling blocks to avoid and how you can make both your homeschool and your relationship strong!

This episode sponsored by CTC Math.

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The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

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Real. Authentic. Practical.

We’re Hal and Melanie Young. We’re not just authors and speakers, but we’re the parents of six sons (in a row!) and two daughters. The experience of raising this van-full has proved two things – you need God’s wisdom to raise a family, and you need help to make it practical!

That’s our goal and message—start with Biblical foundations, then share how to put principles into practice.

The reality is that God gave each family a mix of parents, children, and personalities, in a particular time and circumstance. They’re all unique, so every family’s “practical” may be a little different, and still be totally Biblical. That’s why we focus on principles instead of checklists. Instead of more law, we need more grace!

And it’s grace that drives us to Jesus Christ, the one who ultimately makes our family what it ought to be. We want to help families find practical ideas, but the risen Savior as well.

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Filed Under: Making Biblical Family Life Practical Tagged With: homeschool, homeschooling, Making Biblical Family Life Practical, Marriage

How to Raise Kids Who Love the Constitution (with KrisAnne Hall)

June 22, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

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Liberty First: Raising Constitution-Loving Kids with KrisAnne Hall (Replay)

Show: Vintage Homeschool Moms
Host: Felice Gerwitz
Guest: KrisAnne Hall, JD — Constitutional attorney, author, and founder of Liberty First University
Network: Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network
Episode type: Encore / Replay (originally aired 2014 — refreshed for 2026)

Constitutional attorney KrisAnne Hall joins Felice Gerwitz to show homeschool moms how to raise liberty-minded kids, why she walked away from a paycheck to teach the Constitution, and what every parent should know about Common Core and school choice. A timeless replay, updated for 2026.

Episode summary

In this fan-favorite conversation, host Felice Gerwitz sits down with constitutional attorney and homeschool mom KrisAnne Hall. KrisAnne shares the powerful story of how she chose to keep teaching the Constitution even when it cost her a $60,000-a-year government job, and how God provided for her family every step of the way.

Together they talk about why liberty is a Judeo-Christian inheritance worth passing on, why most Americans can’t name the five freedoms in the First Amendment, and how parents — not the government — hold the real responsibility for raising the next generation. KrisAnne also answers listener questions about Common Core, charter and virtual schools, vouchers, and the best way for parents to get up to speed on the Constitution so they can teach it to their kids.

It’s encouraging, challenging, and packed with the kind of “I never thought about it that way” moments KrisAnne is known for.

🎧 Host’s Note — Updated for 2026

This episode first aired in 2014, when “Common Core” was the education debate at every co-op meeting and kitchen table. The heart of KrisAnne’s message — that liberty is a gift we steward for our children — hasn’t aged a day. But a few of the headlines have changed, so here’s a quick update so you’re listening with 2026 eyes:

Common Core has largely faded — but the framework lingers. Several states formally repealed and renamed the standards, and roughly two dozen have revised or rebranded them. Here in Florida, Governor DeSantis signed an executive order to eliminate Common Core and replaced it with the B.E.S.T. Standards (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking), phased in beginning the 2021–22 school year, which notably weave civics and the U.S. Constitution through every grade. That said, education analysts point out that many “new” state standards still carry Common Core’s DNA — so KrisAnne’s underlying point about who controls curriculum (and who funds it) is as relevant as ever.

School choice exploded. When this aired, KrisAnne urged caution about vouchers and warned that “where government pays, they will dictate.” Since 2021, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) have become the dominant model, and as of 2026 around 18–19 states offer universal eligibility. Florida now has universal school choice; Louisiana launched its LA GATOR program in 2025; and Texas’s $1 billion ESA program — the largest initial funding cap in history — launches for the 2026–27 school year. As you listen, it’s worth weighing KrisAnne’s “strings attached” caution against the new landscape and deciding where you land for your own family.

Where to find KrisAnne now. She is the founder and president of Liberty First University (online courses from about $20/month at libertyfirstsociety.com), still writes and teaches, and hosts The KrisAnne Hall Show. Her books referenced in this episode — Not a Living, Breathing Document, Bedtime Stories for Budding Patriots, and Essential Stories for Junior Patriots — are still available, along with newer titles like Sovereign Duty and Liberty First: The Path to Restoring America.

What you’ll learn

Why KrisAnne walked away from a $60,000 government job rather than stop teaching the Constitution — and how her family saw God provide
Why liberty is a Judeo-Christian inheritance, not a government grant
The five freedoms in the First Amendment (and why “when one falls, they all fall”)
Why she believes the government didn’t intrude into education — parents invited it
The difference between government, charter, and virtual schools — and her caution on vouchers
How busy, traveling, on-a-budget parents can still make homeschooling work
The best resources for parents to learn the Constitution well enough to teach it

Episode segments

(Approximate — adjust the timestamps to match your final audio file.)

[00:00] Welcome and introduction — how Felice met KrisAnne at a Fort Myers history fair
[03:00] “History always repeats because human nature never changes”
[06:00] KrisAnne’s homeschool partnership: teaching 265 times across 22 states
[10:00] The day she had to choose: keep her job or keep teaching the Constitution
[15:00] Esther, Mordecai, and stepping out in faith with no income
[19:00] Why government schools “cannot teach your child to love God” — and the prayer-in-school myth
[24:00] Why liberty? The Judeo-Christian foundation of freedom
[28:00] The five First Amendment freedoms — and why most can’t name them
[31:00] Break — American Government & Elections class (Media Angels)
[33:00] How to book KrisAnne to speak (it’s a ministry — no speaking fees)
[37:00] American exceptionalism and the immigrant’s true search for liberty
[42:00] Listener Q&A: Common Core and the government’s role in schools
[47:00] Listener Q&A: the best way to learn the Constitution yourself
[51:00] Listener Q&A: charter schools, virtual schools, and the truth about vouchers
[57:00] Final encouragement: homeschooling as a legacy, and a standing invitation to return

Memorable quotes

“The God that gave us life gave us liberty.” — KrisAnne paraphrasing Thomas Jefferson

“Every liberty that you have, you have to keep. And if you do not know what your liberties are, you don’t even know when they’re gone.”

“The government hasn’t intruded itself into our school system. We’ve invited it.”

“Liberty is not a gift that you purchase for yourself… We purchase liberty for our children.”

“Where government pays, they will dictate.” — KrisAnne on vouchers

Resources & links

KrisAnne Hall

Website: https://www.krisannehall.com
Liberty First University / Liberty First Society: https://libertyfirstsociety.com
Books: Not a Living, Breathing Document: Reclaiming Our Constitution, Bedtime Stories for Budding Patriots, Essential Stories for Junior Patriots, Sovereign Duty, Liberty First: The Path to Restoring America
DVD set: The Roots of Liberty: The Historic Foundations of the Bill of Rights

From Media Angels & the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Media Angels: https://MediaAngels.com
Vintage Homeschool Moms: https://VintageHomeschoolMoms.com
American Government & Elections class

Scripture referenced: 2 Timothy 1:7 · Matthew 6 · the Book of Esther

About the guest

KrisAnne Hall, JD, is a former state prosecutor and constitutional attorney who left her position rather than stop teaching the original intent of the Constitution. A disabled war veteran, attorney, wife of a pastor, and homeschool mom, she now travels the country teaching the history and application of the Constitution and serves as founder and president of Liberty First University. She is the author of multiple books on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and host of The KrisAnne Hall Show.

About the show

Vintage Homeschool Moms, hosted by author and publisher Felice Gerwitz, encourages, educates, and inspires moms with answers to their most pressing questions — from homeschooling and marriage to parenting and faith — because every moment counts. It’s a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Subscribe & connect

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a homeschool mom who needs to hear it, and leave a review — it helps other families find the show. Visit VintageHomeschoolMoms.com and MediaAngels.com for more.

Disclaimer: Guests share their own views and resources. Felice vets her guests but does not necessarily endorse every statement made by show hosts or guests across the network.

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: Bill of Rights, Christian homeschooling, civics, common core, Constitution, founding fathers, homeschool, Krisanne Hall, liberty, school choice, Vintage Homeschool moms

Time Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Moms

May 25, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

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📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Burnout

Time Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Mom: Simple Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Are you constantly overwhelmed by your homeschool schedule, household responsibilities, and endless to-do lists? In this encouraging episode of Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network’s Vintage Homeschool Moms, host Felice Gerwitz shares practical and faith-filled strategies to help busy homeschool moms reclaim their time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

Sponsored by CTCMath, this episode offers realistic productivity advice for homeschool families who feel like there are never enough hours in the day.

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Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

Do you ever feel like:

Your homeschool schedule is impossible to keep up with?
Your to-do list never gets shorter?
You’re constantly busy but not accomplishing what matters most?
You end each day exhausted and discouraged?

Felice reminds homeschool moms that the problem often isn’t laziness or failure—it’s unrealistic expectations, poor prioritization, and trying to do too much at once.

In this episode, she shares simple mindset shifts and practical systems that helped her balance homeschooling, parenting, business ownership, podcasting, and family life more peacefully and effectively.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Take Time to Recharge Spiritually

One of the biggest productivity boosters isn’t another planner—it’s spending intentional time with God.

Felice encourages moms to:

Begin the day with prayer and Scripture
Create quiet moments throughout the day
Invite children into a peaceful, faith-filled atmosphere
Focus on spiritual renewal instead of constant hustle

She reminds listeners that an empty vessel cannot continue pouring into others.

2. Identify What’s Stealing Your Time

Sometimes the biggest time-wasters are habits we don’t even notice:

Constant phone interruptions
Checking emails at the wrong times
Starting unnecessary tasks before leaving the house
Overcommitting daily schedules
Procrastination disguised as productivity

Learning to recognize these patterns can dramatically improve your homeschool day.

3. Create a Simple Planning System

Felice shares an easy A-B-C-D-E planning method for organizing:

Daily priorities
Weekly responsibilities
Monthly goals

Her system helps moms:

Delegate responsibilities
Identify tasks only they can do
Prioritize effectively
Reduce mental overload
Stop feeling guilty about unfinished lists

4. Focus on What Truly Matters

At the heart of this episode is an important reminder:

If there was only one thing you could accomplish today, what would matter most?

For Felice, it’s making sure her children and family know they are loved.

This episode challenges homeschool moms to:

Reevaluate priorities
Let go of perfectionism
Focus on relationships over performance
Build a peaceful homeschool atmosphere

Mentioned in This Episode

Goodbye Survival Mode by Crystal Paine
Flourish at Home by Mary Jo Tate
Media Angels resources and online classes
American History and Government courses from Media Angels

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

Homeschooling isn’t about accomplishing every task perfectly. It’s about building relationships, nurturing faith, and creating a home centered on what matters most.

If you’ve been feeling burned out, discouraged, or behind, this episode will encourage you to slow down, simplify, and take back control of your time with grace and purpose.

Listen to More Encouraging Homeschool Podcasts

Discover more homeschool encouragement, parenting advice, and practical tips at:

Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

You’ll also enjoy:

Sponsor

Today’s episode is sponsored by CTCMath — an online math curriculum designed to help students truly understand math concepts through engaging video lessons and flexible learning tools.

Learn more at:

CTCMath

Handout:

TimeBoosters_Handout_VintageHomeschoolMoms

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: Felice Gerwitz, help for homeschool moms, homeschool, homeschooling, house management, making time for what matters, managing your time, organization, stretch your time, time boosters

The Bible & the American Revolution

March 16, 2026 by Laura Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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The Bible & the American Revolution

In “The Bible and the American Revolution,” episode #250, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration with a look at the Bible’s influence on the Founding Fathers. Did the Bible really shape the culture of Colonial America & the American Revolution? Did the Founding Fathers read and understand the Scripture? What passages did they quote the most? Discover the role God’s Word played in our Founding Father’s lives and the documents they wrote. God bless the USA. 😊

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The Bible & me.

4 Sources of Influence on Founding Fathers & Documents

British Common Law (Magna Charta, Blackstone)
The Enlightenment (John Locke and Montesquieu)
Classical and civic republicanism. (Cicero, etc)
Bible (Old & New Testament)

George Washington identified the Bible among the significant contributions to the American experience.

There was broad agreement that the Bible was essential for nurturing the kind of civic virtues that give citizens the capacity for self-government. In various meetings, pamphlets, political sermons, and private papers, Founding Figures appealed to the Bible for principles, precedents, models, normative standards, and cultural motifs, to define their community and to order their great political experiments.

The Bible offered guidance on how to select righteous leaders and rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the right to resist a tyrannical government.

Deuteronomy

“Donald Lutz author of American Political Science Review, wanted to know who it was that Founding Fathers were citing in political literature before and during the American Revolution. He discovered that the Bible was cited more frequently than any European writer or European school of thought, such as Enlightenment liberalism. The Bible, Lutz reported, accounted for approximately one-third of the citations in the literature he surveyed. The book of Deuteronomy alone was the most frequently cited work, followed by Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws. In fact, Deuteronomy was referenced nearly twice as often as John Locke’s writings, and the apostle Paul was mentioned about as frequently as Montesquieu and Blackstone, who would have been the two most-cited secular theorists.” (Daniel Dreisbach, “The Bible and the American Founders”, Broadcast Talks, August 1, 2018; Accessed 3/1/26)

Deuteronomy – God’s dealings with His chosen nation, Israel, – establishing the political and legal institutions necessary to govern a nation. The Founding Fathers saw Deuteronomy as a guide on how to put a nation together.

The Founding Fathers could identify with the children of Israel fleeing from Pharaoh. They were fleeing form George III. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean was like crossing the Red Sea.

Quoted & Referenced familiar and obscure passages from Scripture. Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty.”

If a family owned a single book it was almost certainly going to be the Bible. So, this was the one book that Americans would be most familiar with. If they owned two….

Popular Texts

Duties of civil authority and the duties of citizenship such as Romans 13 or 1 Peter 2:13–15.
Passages dealing with liberty and liberation. Exodus, Galatians 5:1
Old Testament texts dealing with the idea of covenant
Texts that describe character, characteristics, blessings of a righteous ruler.
Proverbs 29:2
Exodus 18:21
2 Samuel 23

How Founders Used Scripture

Literary and rhetorical to the profoundly theological.
Enriched language and culture distinctively biblical allusions, phrases, figures of speech, proverbs, aphorisms, and the like.
Gave credibility to assertions
Identify and define standards and rules for public life.
Uncover God’s oversight of the world and dealings with men and nations.

The Bible Influenced the Founding Texts

Judeo-Christian concept of covenant is where we get our ideas of compact, contract, and constitutionalism. Quoted passages like Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28
Biblical view of original sin Genesis 3 – designed a constitutional system to check & prevent abuse of power
Depravity of man – limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, rule of law, due process of law and representative government
That phrase future state of rewards and punishmentsshows up in state constitution after constitution in the founding era. (heaven & hell)
Hebrew commonwealth described in the Old Testament a model for republican government
Ten Commandments of Due Process – Exodus 23:1-9
That flows out of a relationship with Jesus Christ
The Constitution – Division of Power and Authority reflects the nature of God as Judge, King, and Lawgiver. No one person can have that much authority and power (due to original sin & the flesh) So we divide up the power between Supreme Court, Congress, and President.
Free Will & Free Speech
Mankind image of God; life is sacred.

Where are We Now & What Can We Do?

Culture. Education System. Corruption. Fraud. Bribery.

Read & Study the Word, Bible-Believing Church, Pray for Revival in USA, Talk & Post about our Christian Heritage

Sign up for our Newsletter:

Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

US Living Books & Movies List by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Sons of Liberty: Heroes of the American Revolution by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Resources

Families Learning Together: American History Art Appreciation by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

American History Timeline by Meredith Curtis & Laura Nolette at Powerline Productions, Inc.

American History Cookbook by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

American Literature & Research by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: 250 Anniversary, 250 Years, America, America250, American History, celebrate, celebration, Christian, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, Independence Day, Parent, teen

Teens on the Pony Express

February 9, 2026 by Laura Leave a Comment

Teens on the Pony Express

In “Teens on the Pony Express,” episode #249, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration with the Pony Express. Grab the entire family and meet 15-year-old Bill who discovers a Job Poster. Wanted: Riders for the Pony Express. Young Skinny Wiry Fellows. Riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred. Wages $25 per week. If you’re a teen, would you apply? If you’re a parent, would you let your teen apply. The Pony Express captured the imagination of the American people and still does. Teens can do anything. God bless the USA. 😊

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Pretend you’re job hunting and see a poster at Chick-fil-A. Interested?

I want to take you back in time to Fort Laramie in present-day Wyoming. A teenager is in the US Post Office in the fort when he sees a poster. The poster reads:

Wanted:

Riders for the Pony Express

Young, Skinny Wiry Fellows

Riders Willing to Risk Death Daily

Orphans Preferred

Wages $25 per Week

Bill Applies for a Job

The Interview

US Mail Problem

Hard to get mail from East to West and back again.

Solutions.

A new solution.

Pony Express

Stations, Station Masters, Ponies, Riders

Kickoff April 3, 1960

Bill’s Adventures

Bill’s Home Station

Bullets Whizzing

Riding On

Wolves

Buffalo Bill Cody

Teen Adventures

Teens can do anything God calls them to do.

Sign up for our Newsletter:

Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Special Replay: Cold & Flu Remedies Part 1 – Protecting your Family Against the Flu

January 21, 2026 by Joy Rhodes Leave a Comment

Cold & Flu Remedies: Part 1

For most of us FLU season is a series of over-the-counter medicines and trips to the doctor for drugs that don’t help – well, no more! It’s time to take back the health of your family and learn the homeopathic remedies most recommended to combat the common cold and flu. In this Episode, Sue Meyer, of Homeopathy for Mommies, shares with you helpful remedies for Colds & Flu. She also discusses mono, strep, and more! Join her to find out how you can use Homeopathy to care for your family!

You can listen to Cold & Flu Remedies Part 2 here!

Sue Meyer is the author of Homeopathy for Mommies. You can check out her website at www.homeopathyformommies.com for more helpful Blogs, podcasts, and online training courses in Homeopathy.

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Homeopathy for Mommies is part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, where homeschool families find practical help, encouragement, and trusted resources for everyday life. From natural health and parenting to homeschooling tips and high school guidance, UHPN brings together podcasts designed to support families in every stage of the homeschool journey.

Disclaimer:

This audio is for educational purposes and is not intended in any way to be a replacement for, or as a substitute to qualified medical advice. If you think you are suffering from a medical condition consult your doctor or other qualified person.

The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before:Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.

In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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Filed Under: Homeopathy for Mommies Tagged With: Cold, FLU, flu remedies, flu remedies that work, flu symptoms, health, healthy kids, healthy moms, help for illness, help for moms, homeopathy, homeschool, how to combat the flu, how to use homeopathy, Mono, Strep

Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution

January 19, 2026 by Laura Leave a Comment

Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution

In “Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution,” episode #248, Meredith Curtis continues celebrating America’s 250 Birthday celebration by introducing you to the Undercover Superheroes of the American Revolution. We’re talking about the Son’s of Liberty, of course. Mostly young husbands and fathers, there were some older men, too. They did crazy things like throw tea into Charleston’s and Boston’s harbor. God bless the USA. 😊

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

USA is 250 years old. It’s a great time to remember the heroes of the American Revolution.

Sons of Liberty

The Sons of Liberty was a secret society whose aim was to spread American Revolution fervor and to fight unjust laws imposed by the British. It started in Boston. Paul Revere is believed to be the leader. But it spread! Using resistance, defiance, and sometimes violence, the Sons of Liberty impacted the colonies and won colonists to the Patriot Cause. Many of the Sons of Liberty attended the First and Second Continental Congresses, working for freedom that way, too.

Samuel Adams

Malt Maker & Tax Collector. Founded Sons of Liberty in Boston. Led Boston Tea Party. Later, Governor of Virginia.

John Hancock

Wealthy merchant, ship owner in Boston. He and his ship “Liberty” were sued by British government. Later, Governor of Virginia.

Paul Revere

Silversmith and practiced dentistry in Boston. 16 kids 😊 Set up a gunpowder mill to produce gunpowder for the Continental Army. Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Revere Copper still exists today.

Patrick Henry

Lawyer in Virginia. 17 kids 😊 Commander-in-Chief of the Virginian Army during Revolutionary War. Famous “Give Me Liberty or Give me Death” speech accompanied by drama. Governor of Virginia.

Dr. Benjamin Rush

Physician, chemistry professor, and prolific writer in Philadelphia. Surgeon General in the Continental Army. Founded Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and Bible Society of Philadelphia.

Christopher Gadsden

Merchant & Rice Plantation owner in South Carolina. Led first “tea party” and two more later.

Marinus Willet

Cabinet maker in NYC. Aggressive action in NYC. Later, sheriff and mayor of NYC.

Oliver Wollcott

Lawyer & sheriff in Connecticut. Turned a 2-ton lead statue of King George III into lead bullets for the Continental Army. Later Governor of Connecticut.

How Can I Be a Son or Daughter of Liberty

Pray for Revival
Read the Freedom Documents
Protect Freedom of Speech – Listen respectfully to those who disagree with you and share your own opinions candidly, yet with kindness
Protect Freedom of Religion
Protect the Second Amendment – When dictators take over a nation, one of the first things they do is disarm the citizens
Help Elect Wise & Good Leaders
Protect the Weak and Helpless

Sign up for our Newsletter:

Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Celebrations & Contests

January 5, 2026 by Laura Leave a Comment

Celebrations & Contests

In “Celebrations & Contests,” episode #247, Meredith Curtis shares all the contests and celebrations she’s uncovered for America’s 250 Birthday celebration all year long. From art and writing contests to special celebrations from American Legion, DAR, and US National Park Service. Take time to celebrate this year – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime birthday! God bless the USA. 😊

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

USA is 250 years old. There will be celebrations all year long, but there will also be contests.

Faith-Filled Stories

SchoolhouseTeachers is celebrating with 250 faith-filled stories from America’s history.

Check it out and enter the challenge here: https://schoolhouseteachers.com/250-days/

National Park Services

National parks across the country are amazing places to visit from Independence Hall and the Statue of Liberty to Yellowstone. There will be special programs and volunteer opportunities, too. For example, you can volunteer as a citizen archivist by transcribing pension records of America’s first veterans and their widows.

Visit here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/usa-250.htm

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Daughters of the America Revolution has special events going on at state and national levels. On Saturday April 18, 2026, the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, DAR is hosting two special events: a birthday party and concert.

Find out more here: https://www.dar.org/outreach/america-250

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair will celebrate the spirit of America with a nod to America’s founding, similar to “The Spirit of Iowa ’76” held during the 1976 national bicentennial.

Visit website here: https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/iowa-state-fair-americas-250-2026

Great American State Fair

The Great American State Fair will bring America 250 programming to fairgrounds across the country, culminating in a patriotic festival next summer on the National Mall, featuring exhibits from all 50 states.

Keep watch for details here: https://america250.org/

America 250 Writing/Artwork Contest

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students in grades 3–12 to share what America means to them. Writing or original artwork.

Winners earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks like Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park. A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize.

Here is the page where you submit artwork or essay: https://america250.org/fieldtrip/

Notgrass History Contest

Notgrass history is sponsoring a contest for K-12 students. Submit a poem, picture, song, costume, story, or video that celebrates America. Original content required.

Enter the contest here: https://www.usa-250.net/contest

Patriot Games

President Trump announced a national athletic competition for top high school athletes as part of the country’s 250th anniversary. The Patriot Games will bring together one male and one female high school athlete from every U.S. state and territory in the fall. We’re awaiting more details. The Patriot Games are part of Freedom 250.

Visit website here: https://www.doi.gov/freedom250

The American Legion USA250 Challenge

The USA 250 Challenge encourages American Legion Family members, other veterans and all Americans to volunteer with disabled veterans and families in need.

Participants may engage in one, two or all three activities as an individual or as part of a team like an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary unit, Sons of The American Legion squadron and/or an American Legion Riders chapter.

Learn more & join the challenge here: https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/usa250

More Ways to Celebrate

See How Your State is Celebrating

There is plenty more to come on a national level and state level. Check out your state’s plans and feel free to share with me anything special you discover. What a great year ahead!

Sons of Liberty Mini-Unit

We’ve changed our opt-in-to-our newsletter freebie to celebrate American’s 250^th Birthday. US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty. If you are not getting our newsletter, sign up and grab your freebies. If you already get our newsletter, don’t worry, these new eBooks will be the January and February freebie.

What do you know about the clandestine group that kept their identities secret? These superheroes played a huge role in turning the tide of public opinion. Meet the Sons of Liberty. Some names are familiar, and others will be new to you. Discover Paul Revere, a successful silversmith by day, but at night he might be leading a group to dump tea in Boston Harbor. Enjoy meeting these men and find out how you and your children can be a son or daughter of liberty in the 21st Century.

Read Books & Watch Movies about US History & Heroes

Reading historical fiction and watching movies set in the past can make history come alive! We’re always adding movies and books to make US History come alive.

What books should I read? What movies should I watch? Homeschool parents often ask me. Wonder no more. I’m sharing ALL the US history living books we read, and ALL the movies, too. Enjoy!

Family or Homeschool Co-op Contest

Have a contest to see who can read the most books (or most pages) of US history books and novels.

Family or Homeschool Co-op Movie Nites

Pop popcorn and watch US History movies together.

Sign up for our Newsletter:

Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

Grow in Christ Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice for a Smoother Week (Replay)

January 5, 2026 by Ultimate Homeschool Leave a Comment

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Organization

Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice (Replay)

The Best homeschool scheduling advice I ever received actually came from my daughter. She said, “Mom if we are going to duplicate the school system then why homeschool?” With that in mind, I looked at the way I scheduled my homeschool year. I made time for those special events that make homeschooling stand out from the conventional school curriculum. Whether it is a field trip, a family trip that is planned or one-to-one mentoring with a talented person. In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, I’ll explain the best homeschool scheduling advice, ever!

Thanks to our sponsor – CTC Math!

Questions to ask yourself before you begin scheduling!

What are your state laws — are you compliant?
Are you part of a support group? This network IS part of your support!
What are your goals and objectives for the year?
What method of homeschooling do you lean toward? If you don’t know listen to this podcast on the topic HERE PUT LINK
How long are you planning to homeschool? 4, 5, or 6 hours or more per day? Check out your homeschool laws here if you don’t already know them: https://hslda.org/content/laws/
Are you flexible?
Do you like check-off lists? For you? For the kids?

These questions will set the groundwork for how you’d like to set up your homeschool year. What I might consider the best homeschool scheduling advice may not align with your homeschool philosophy. However, I hope you can take what you need and make it work for you! With this clearly in mind, here is some of the best advice I can share with you about homeschool schedules and ways to have a stress-free year.

Best Homeschool Scheduling Tips:

Keep your eyes focused on your family’s needs. What Sally Jo uses for her kids may not work for yours.
Look at your goals. What do you hope to accomplish this year? What subjects do you want to cover this year?
Is it important to develop your child’s creativity and imagination and encourage them to think?
What character qualities do you want to work on? If you want to strengthen family relationships, select reading materials or read aloud the books that will do just that. Read the Little House on the Prarie (younger) or Anne of Green Gables (older).
Each child is unique, consider your child’s needs.
Never recreate the public/private classroom at home.
Don’t forget about you. Do you have help scheduled, whether that is a chore chart so everyone can pitch in, or a park day so you can visit with friends?
Never – and that means never answer the phone while you are homeschooling. Set special ringtones for important people – others go to voice mail. This goes for checking Facebook or social media in general.
Never and that means never -unless it is absolutely impossible go on an errand during school time. No grocery store shopping, doctor appointments – until after school or on a day off if you take one, etc.

Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice — Ever!

Tools & Supplies:

Three-Inch Binder: Use a three-ring binder. I began a master homeschool binder when I first began homeschooling and it contains ALL the must-haves… First, copies of their schedules, and important information: everything from blanks I could duplicate to things I always had to look up previously. I have the children’s evaluations in this binder from the beginning of our homeschooling in Kindergarten through twelfth grade! I also keep a copy of their evaluations in their grade/year notebook.
Master Lists: Subjects, books, reading books, grade level goals, etc. I think through this once, add to it if a particular child needs more information, and then file it in my book. I also have a file in a Word doc on my computer that corresponds. Master lists can include a supply list for school, birthdays, and a calendar of events.
File cabinet. Throughout the years I kept files on each of the kids and work. As we ended a year, the binder was emptied, the information for the year was filed under the child’s name (and grade labeled), and the binder was then ready for the next year.
School Supplies: Notebooks: Look for sales. We get lined, spiral notebooks for less than 20 cents during back-to-school sales. I buy enough for all year. Use a Sharpie (or a nice label from the computer) to label the subject. Notebook paper: This is one of those things we always ran out of when the children were younger. Wide-ruled notebook paper for the little kids and college ruled for older ones. Pencils: We prefer the #2 pencils and some of the kids liked the mechanical pencils, but there was one brand, in particular, they liked best that we could only purchase at an office supply store. Yes, friends, these were “pre-Amazon” days! Of course, depending on your child’s needs there are crayons, markers, erasers (the ones that fit on the pencil and the bigger ones), colored pencils, pens and Sharpies, and highlighters. Don’t forget the 110 lb paper to make your own dividers.
Best Purchases: Large Dry Erase Boards and erasable markers, an electric three-hole punch, a laminator, laminating sheets, a stapler, a heavy-duty stapler (to make those books kids love to make), and a heavy-duty tape dispenser. I loved sticky notes and tabs to create my own dividers with 110 lb paper.

Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice:

Know Your Kids: Do you know or have you evaluated your children? Our sponsor has these wonderful books for Placement and Evaluation.
Organized: Get your books organized. Half the battle if finding the books you need when you need them. School supplies and additional resources. Everything has a place!
Freebies: There are lots of sites that say you can get free curriculum, downloads, printables, etc. If you have these – organize them!
Scope and Sequence: This states what your kids need to know and as homeschoolers, you can be flexible. Here is a scope and sequence from Abeka as well as Bob Jones that goes from K-12. I’m not endorsing this one way or the other, you have to make your own determination.
Flexibility: Build flexibility into your schedule – how can you do this? (Listen to the podcast for tips)
Input: Get input from your older children. One year my kids wanted to study oceanography and space. Talk about diverse! Yet those became their favorite subjects.
Routine or Schedule? What works for you a routine or schedule? The best homeschool scheduling takes into mind your lifestyle and only you can decide if you want to do things daily with a set schedule or perhaps have a routine that includes daily activities but is more loosely scheduled.
Rotate your schedule – doing the same thing all the time can be boring and cause kids to zone out. Maybe you do math every day, but what about history or science? You can do history two times a week and science two times for 6 weeks, and then change it to history three times and science two.
180 Homeschool Days: Get a year’s calendar and circle the days you will school each month. Yes, this can change but it is nice to have it set out before you – so you can plan. 180 days of homeschooling is what my state requires. Check your state information here: https://hslda.org/content/laws/
Homeschool Planner: Well Planned Gal planners are my favorite – there are digital, printed, and even prayer planner. There is also a smaller size to keep in your purse or backpack!
Use Checklists: Checklist with pictures for little kids and a checklist for you. It is an easy way to keep records.
Breaks: Be sure to highlight birthdays, events, holidays, and field trips. Do you have a catch-up/ planning day? If you can’t have one every week, try for one a month.
Field Trips: Be sure to use the resources available to homeschool families in your area.
Plan your week: Look at your books and divide the number of homeschool days or weeks by chapters. If there are 30 chapters you may need to do one per week. Etc. In some books you can take two weeks to complete one chapter.
Teach Kids Together: Group ages and books/subjects as much as possible. Kids like working together or if they are competitive use it to their advantage.
Projects: Plan early. Science fair ideas begin in the summer, papers are signed as soon as school starts (grades six and up). I wrote the book, “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects available on Media Angels Membership or Amazon here.
High School: Planning for high school? Plan a 4-year schedule of required subjects for graduation. The scale is different for a high school diploma vs. a high school diploma with college in mind. Also if your kids are planning to attend college listen to College Prep Genius for ways to ace the SAT and ACT as well as get scholarships. If your kids play sports – know the rules. If your kids are approaching high school and have an eye to playing sports in college read up on the NCAA.org eligibility information about classes that count for high school for college play.

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – CTC Math

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool scheduling, homeschooling

The Best Family Christmas Movies to Watch Together

December 15, 2025 by Laura Leave a Comment

Pop the Popcorn & Watch a Christmas Movie

In “Pop the Popcorn & Watch a Christmas Movie,” episode #246, Meredith Curtis suggests Christmas movies for the whole family. At our house, we love to curl up under a blanket and watch a Christmas movie with the whole family. Some are inspirational, others funny, and all wholesome and entertaining. Let’s admit it. We all watch movies – a lot – so choose wisely and spread a little Christmas cheer. 😊

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Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

At our house, we have family favorites that we watch year after year. All are packed with festive holiday cheer and music that makes the troubles of the world seem distant for a short time. As Christmas rolls around again year after year, we find ourselves wanting to see these old favorites once again.

So, pop the popcorn, heat up the hot chocolate, and get ready to hear about some wonderful Christmas movies that the whole family will enjoy!

It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life never grows old. It is the timeless story of a man who feels like a failure but is actually a true success! Step back in time and watch George go through high school, college, the Great Depression, World War II, and finally come to a breaking point on Christmas Eve. But, the love of family, friends, and an angel named Clarence pulls him though. I laugh and cry every time I watch this movie.

Charlie Brown Christmas

I grew up on Peanuts cartoons and always felt so sorry for Charlie Brown. In A Charlie Brown Christmas, though, Charlie Brown nails it at the end of the movie when he reads the Christmas story from the Bible. A very sweet movie for all ages!

The Nativity Story

I love this movie! The Nativity Story is the story of Mary and Joseph as they find out their world has been turned upside down. There is a tenderness to this movie that is so heartening and inspiring. I love the characters of Mary and Joseph. Really well-done movie!

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is my husband’s favorite movie, and his favorite version is the one with George C. Scott. This classic tale by Charles Dickens has been made into numerous movies, even cartoons. Its timeless message shines through in this version of a “Scrooge” who is converted from selfishness to genuine love for his fellow man.

So many adaptations of this story/movie. The Muppets and Disney have children’s versions. Scrooged is an example of a version for adults.

A Christmas Less Traveled

A Christmas Less Traveled just came out last year. From Great American Family, it has become a favorite. An old audio cassette left by her father sends a woman on a journey (in his truck of course) to retrace her family’s special moments. On the way, a man joins her to find a way to close the most important deal of his life.

A Christmas …. Present

A Christmas … Present is another heartwarming movie that just came out last year. From Great American Family, it has become a favorite because the message is so timely for homeschool moms like me. Real Estate Agent Maggie Larson and her family will be spending Christmas with her recently widowed brother, Paul, and his young daughter at their house. Maggie is determined to give her brother and niece the best Christmas possible and to lift their spirits when they most need it. Though Maggie’s plan is to aid her brother, his faith and parenting style ultimately helps her to understand issues within her own life and a need for closeness in her own family.

Timeless Tidings of Joy

Timeless Tidings of Joy just came out this year. Another Christmas classic from Great American Family! A young woman returns home to a letterpress shop, that she considers a burden, and meets a man determined to preserve its legacy. Together they travel back in time and discover that faith, sacrifice, and love are more important than riches and ease. Wow! I loved this movie.

Christmas with the Chosen O Holy Night

Christmas with the Chosen O Holy Night is another wonderful video from the producers of The Chosen TV series. A young mother labeled impure. A shepherd boy considered “unclean”. A never-before-seen performance from Andrea Bocelli highlights seven music performances and two beautiful monologues.

Elf

Elf is a silly movie that tickles our family’s funny bone. We all laugh so hard together when we watch this lighthearted Christmas movie. However, there is a message of family reconciliation and making family time a priority that is always a timeless, and needed, message.

There is some cursing. We watch with Clearplay or VidAngel

A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story is set in the 1950/1960s era of wholesomeness. Raphie wants a Red Ryder BB Gun, but Mom is worried he’ll shoot his eye out. This movie is hilarious, and we have so many lines memorized. We always laugh through the whole fun drama. Great family fun movie!

There is some cursing. We watch with Clearplay or VidAngel

Christmas with the Kranks

Christmas with the Kranks is a hilarious movie starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. With their daughter doing charity work in South America, the couple plan a cruise for Christmas and opt out of all their usual Christmas traditions. But there must be a twist! Their daughter tells them she is coming home with her brand-new fiancé, so he can experience a traditional American Christmas. The Kranks must get everything ready for their daughter in 24 hours. This is such a funny movie!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch is played spectacularly by Jim Carey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Silly and fun, but with a message. Like many of us, the Who’s go overboard with light contests and excess commercialism but one little girl thinks about the Grinch and reaches out to him. The resulting chaos is predictable especially if you’ve seen the cartoon or read the book but the scene where the Who’s are singing is worth the whole movie. I always tear up. There they are with all their presents gone but they’re singing. If only Jesus was in it! Super cute movie!

Home Alone

Home Alone is another silly movie with a little boy who gets left behind when his parents head to Paris for Christmas. If you have a large family, the chaos will ring true and isn’t every mother’s fear that her child will be left behind. While Mom is hitching a ride with a polka band to get home to her beloved son, the little boy is shopping, cooking, ordering pizza, and defending his home from robbers. Super cute movie!

There is some cursing. We watch with Clearplay or VidAngel

Three Wise Men & A Baby

From Hallmark, three brothers who each have their own issues inside and with one another, find themselves forced to care for a baby during the holidays. They rebuild their relationships and rediscover a great blessing of Christmas – love and family. The highlight of this movie is when the three brothers sing. Hilarious!

White Christmas

White Christmas is another vintage movie with a sweet story and beautiful music. The clothes are amazing, too. World War II vets become a famous song-and-dance team and are asked to watch a sister act. The four help out the men’s former commanding officer, Major General Waverly who is in danger of losing his family inn. It is a lovely Christmas in Vermont. This is my daughter Julianna’s pick each year.

Christmas Cartoons for Children

There are so many Christmas cartoons that my children enjoyed when they were little, and now my grandchildren watch. They help make the Christmas story come alive in little hearts. Here are my favorites:

The First Christmas (Superbook)
Little Drummer Boy (Veggie Tales)
The Star

Christmas Rom-Coms

Okay, Moms and Teen girls, let’s admit it. We love the romantic comedies. Each of the movies that I’m going to mention has a part that I don’t like but much I do.

While You Were Sleeping
You’ve Got Mail

You’ve Got Mail always makes me think of my mom and how much I loved being with her, how much I miss her – but I hate the beginning where the hero and heroine are both living with people. Yuck!

While You were Sleeping is such a tender look at family but at times people in the movie are crass. Yuck.

Christmas Movies & Family Discussions

Often these movies lead to discussions about Christmas, traditions, generosity, and what the treasures of life are.

Christmas is a great time to talk about life and things we value in life like family, traditions, and Jesus! I hope this season will be a blessing for you and your family.

Merry Christmas to all and please share your favorite Christmas movies in the comments below.