The Homeschool Connections Podcast

Episode 104: Keep the Joy Front and Center

Episode 104: Keep the Joy Front and Center

 

We homeschool to give our children the best of everything—faith, values, education, opportunity--and it’s quite an adventure. But the work is hard, and sometimes we forget to be joyful. Today’s guest is Marine and homeschooling veteran, Teresa Hansen, here to remind us to Keep the Joy Front and Center.

 

Find Teresa Hansen at ethkids@yahoo.com

 

Teresa's previous episode:

 

Episode 80: Car Schooling: My Joyful Journey

 

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-80-car-schooling-my-joyful-journey/

 

Today's Short Feature:

Paola Ciskanik, The Thriving Catholic Homeschool Blueprint E4

Topic:

Contact: http://www.catholichomeschoolconference.com/

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor is Homeschool Connections: Catholic Homeschool Resources

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

Episode 103: Homeschooling Through Christmas - With or Without Snow!

Episode 103: Homeschooling Through Christmas--With or Without Snow!

One reason many families choose to homeschool is simply having the freedom to live anywhere they want or need to be, so it’s not uncommon for them to have celebrated the Christmas season in different climates. Veteran homeschool mom, Margaret Gallipeau, is here to share her family’s experiences of Homeschooling Through Christmas—With or Without Snow!

 

Find Margaret Gallipeau: https://www.findingjoyonthejourney.com

 

Resource List:

https://www.findingjoyonthejourney.com/blog/wonder-while-we-wait

 

Catholic Brain:

 https://www.catholicbrain.com

 

The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion, by Kendra Tierney

https://www.ignatius.com/The-Catholic-All-Year-Prayer-Companion-P3771.aspx

 

St. Francis Celebrates Christmas, by Mary Caswell Walsh

https://amzn.to/3uyi3Wd (affiliate link)

 

Tomie DePaola generally, especially Joy to the World

https://www.tomie.com

 

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend, by Julie Stiegemeyer

https://www.christianbook.com/saint-nicholas-story-christmas-legend-hardcover/julie-stiegemeyer/9780758603760/pd/603762

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas

 

Margaret’s previous episodes:

 

#48: Organizing the School Room and the School Year

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/organizing-the-school-room-and-the-school-year/

 

#57: Mid-semester Check-in

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/mid-semester-homeschool-organization-check-in/

 

 

Today’s Short Feature: Dave Palmer, St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Topic: Angels in the Summa Theologica

Contact:

Dave's Facebook page for A Way a Day: https://www.facebook.com/groups/830025461271708

 

Dave's Facebook page for St. Thomas for Everyone:

https://www.facebook.com/staforeveryone/

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor is Homeschool Connections: Online Catholic Homeschool Curriculum

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

Episode 102: Gothic Novels Can Be Good Literature!

Episode 102: Gothic Novels Can Be Good Literature!

Curling up with various genres of good books is a favorite pastime for a lot of homeschoolers, and our guest today is here to share one of her passions. An avid reader and author with a passion for great stories, Eleanor Nicholson is here to tell us why Gothic Novels Can Be Good Literature!

 

Find Eleanor Nicholson: www.eleanorbourgnicholson.com

 

Eleanor’s courses for your children:

https://homeschoolconnections.com/instructors/eleanor-bourg-nicholson/?sfw=pass1636051074

 

Today’s Short Feature: Books & Blessings, A.J. Cattapan

Topic: Treachery and Truth, by Katy Huth Jones

Contact: https://www.ajcattapan.com

Additional link for this short feature:

The Christmas Lights (fundraising book mentioned): https://tinyurl.com/mvars9dp

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

Episode 101: Building Executive Function Skills in Moms and Kids

Episode 101: Building Executive Function Skills in Moms and Kids

We want to pass on skills to our children that will help them succeed in building meaningful lives out there in the real world, but we may feel ill-equipped to train them well. In fact, many parents themselves struggle with being able to plan and execute the tasks that will help them achieve their goals. Today’s guest, Ginny Kochis, is here to help us with Building Executive Function Skills in Moms--and Kids.

 

Find Ginny Kochis here: https://notsoformulaic.com

 

More Recommended Resources:

 

Peace on Purpose Student Edition: Executive Function Workbook and Course for Tweens and Teens https://notsoformulaic.com/product/peace-on-purpose-student-edition-catholic-executive-function-workbook

 

Peace on Purpose: Executive Function Course for Moms https://notsoformulaic.com/product/catholic-executive-function-course-for-moms

 

Executive Decisions: Executive Function Workbook for Moms https://notsoformulaic.com/product/executive-decisions-2

 

Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Courageous Catholic Youth https://notsoformulaic.com/madeforgreatness

 

To Hear His Voice: A Mass Journal for Catholic Kids https://notsoformulaic.com/mass-journal-catholic-kids

 

Today’s Short Feature: Chantal Howard, Idea to Real

Topic: Author your Homeschool this Advent

Contact: https://www.aromarosary.com/

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

Episode 100: Giving Thanks for Episode 100!

Episode 100: Giving Thanks for Episode 100!

Today, it’s our joy to be celebrating our 100th episode with the founders of Homeschool Connections, the sponsors of our program, Walter Crawford and Maureen Wittmann. If you’re able to pause and relax with us, we’ll be raising a glass together and having a virtual party, and we’d love to have you join in!

 

We’re going to talk about our own homeschools, our favorite homeschooling tips, podcast episodes, worst homeschool day ever, favorite easy meals, and inviting YOU to be a part of Homeschooling Saints! Don’t miss this!

 

Contact: Lisa@WonderfullyMade139.com

 

Our Favorite Resources:

 

For the Love of Literature, by Maureen Wittmann

https://www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/love-of-literature/?v=2320522a6676

 

Better Late Than Early, by Raymond & Dorothy Moore

https://www.amazon.com/Better-Late-Than-Early-Education/dp/0883490498

 

Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, by Laura Berquist

https://www.ignatius.com/Designing-Your-Own-Classical-Curriculum-P596.aspx

 

The Way Home, by Mary Pride

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-way-home-mary-pride/1000489066

 

Today's Short Feature:

Paola Ciskanik, The Thriving Catholic Homeschool Blueprint

Topic: Tapping into the Grace of YES

Contact: http://www.catholichomeschoolconference.com/

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

Episode 99: Celebrate Advent AND Santa

Episode 99:  Celebrate Advent AND Santa

Advent can go by in a stressed-out blur, leaving us exhausted by Christmas morning. But there’s a better way, a Catholic way full of delightful traditions, stories, and prayers your family will learn from and love. Today, we are blessed to have bestselling author, Kendra Tierney, here to help us Celebrate Advent AND Santa! Don’t miss this.

 

Find Kendra Tierney:

https://catholicallyear.com

 

Find Kendra’s book!

https://www.ignatius.com/The-Catholic-All-Year-Compendium-P3032.aspx

 

To connect with Kendra on all her social media platforms and ministries, click this link:

 

https://catholicallyear.com/about/

 

Previous Episodes with Kendra:

Celebrating the Octave of Christmas and Epiphany:

#63: https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-63-celebrating-the-octave-and-epiphany/

 

Celebrate the Triduum Like Never Before:

#77: https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-77%C2%A0-celebrate-the-triduum-like-never-before/

 

 Celebrate the Holy in Halloween:

#95 https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-95%c2%a0-celebrate-the-holy-in-halloween/

 

The Children of Noisy Village, by Astrid Lindgren

https://www.astridlindgren.com/en/characters/the-children-of-noisy-village

 

Today’s Short Feature: Dave Palmer, St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

 

Dave's Facebook page for A Way a Day: https://www.facebook.com/groups/830025461271708

 

Dave's Facebook page for St. Thomas for Everyone:

https://www.facebook.com/staforeveryone/

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

 

Episode 98: Good Music Really Matters

Episode 98: Good Music Really Matters

 

Many of us enroll our children in music programs because we want them to have a foundation in music theory, perhaps learn to play an instrument, and ultimately, to be able to appreciate the beauty of musical expression. Today’s extraordinary guest, award-winning composer and author, Michael Kurek, is here to tell us why Good Music Really Matters.

 

Find Michael Kurek and his free music appreciation resources here: www.michaelkurek.com

 

Michael's book: The Sound of Beauty: A Classical Composer on Music in the Spiritual Life is here: https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Beauty-Classical-Composer-Spiritual/dp/1621642712

 

Find Michael's courses in the Unlimited Access program at Homeschool Connections: https://homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/

 

Today's Short Feature: Books & Blessings, with A.J. Cattapan

Topic: Awakening, by Jacqueline Brown

Find Amy: https://www.ajcattapan.com

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

 

Episode 97: Homeschooling Dad, Lawyer, and Mystery Author!

Episode 97: Homeschooling Dad, Lawyer, and Mystery Author!

Homeschooling families are famous for producing precocious kids. But doesn’t it make perfect sense that the parents who raise those amazing kids are totally awesome, too. It’s my delight to have as our guest, today, a fantastic Homeschooling Dad, Lawyer, and Mystery Author, Antony Kolenc!

 

Find Tony Kolenc here: http://www.antonykolenc.com

 

Loyola's Curriculum Companions to the Harwood Mysteries:

https://www.harwoodmysteries.com/curriculum-companions/

 

Tony’s Podcast: http://www.antonykolenc.com/the-shepherds-pie.html 

Catholic Teen Books: https://www.catholicteenbooks.com 

 

Today’s Short Feature: Chantal Howard, Idea to Real

Topic: Doubt Leads to Growth

Contact: https://www.aromarosary.com/

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

Episode 96: Carrying Crosses and Embracing Joy

Episode 96: Carrying Crosses and Embracing Joy

 

Some days, months, even years, it can feel like our crosses and just too heavy, and even the strongest among us can start to lose touch with the joy of our Catholic faith. A wonderful veteran homeschooling mom many of you already know and love, Mary Ellen Barrett, will share with us about Carrying Crosses and Embracing Joy. Don’t miss this.

 

Find Mary Ellen Barrett here: www.maryellenbarrett.com  and here: bonnybluehouse@gmail.com  

 

Seton Home Study School: https://www.setonhome.org

 

More Fun with Mary Ellen:

 

Episode 1: Busting Myths About Homeschoolers

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/reasons-you-have-to-be-crazy-to-homeschool/

 

Episode 30: Keeping Your Husband Happy (Easy Tips)

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/keeping-your-husband-happy-easy-tips/

 

Episode 69: Love in a Time of Quarantine

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-69-love-in-a-time-of-quarantine/

 

 

Amanda Woodiel: Episode 37: A Pep Talk on Accepting Help

https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/a-pep-talk-about-accepting-help/

 

Today's Short Feature:

Paola Ciskanik, The Thriving Catholic Homeschool Blueprint

Topic: Finding Your Why

Contact: http://www.catholichomeschoolconference.com/

 

Download the Guide:

https://expert-composer-5443.ck.page/166c426005

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich

 

Episode 95: Celebrate the Holy in Halloween

Episode 95:  Celebrate the Holy in Halloween

The stores are full of Halloween candy and decorations that suggest a rather pagan celebration, but this is a distinctly Catholic time of year with a fascinating history and delightful traditions just waiting to be enjoyed with our families. Today, we are blessed to have bestselling author, Kendra Tierney, here to help us Celebrate the Holy in Halloween!

 

Find Kendra Tierney:

https://catholicallyear.com

 

Find Kendra’s book!

https://www.ignatius.com/The-Catholic-All-Year-Compendium-P3032.aspx

 

Kendra on Social Media:

https://catholicallyear.com/about/

 

Previous Episodes with Kendra:

Celebrating the Octave of Christmas and Epiphany:

 

#63: https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-63-celebrating-the-octave-and-epiphany/

 

 

Celebrate the Triduum Like Never Before:

#77: https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/episode-77%C2%A0-celebrate-the-triduum-like-never-before/

 

 

Today’s Short Feature:

Dave Palmer, Aquinas for Everyone

Topic: The Attributes of God

 

Dave's Facebook page for A Way a Day: https://www.facebook.com/groups/830025461271708

 

Dave's Facebook page for St. Thomas for Everyone:

https://www.facebook.com/staforeveryone/

 

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor HomeschoolConnections.com

Homeschooling Saints Theme Music Composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice Dave Palmer radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host Lisa Mladinich