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Mary G
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
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Posts: 5790
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| Posted: June 10 2009 at 5:53am | IP Logged
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.... yep, that's how long I've been a member of 4Real. At one point, I had to re-up as my login got squirrly, but otherwise I've been here since the beginning.
Many of us "old-timers" are still here ... some have dropped off and some drop in occasionally. We have tons of new members and many, many lurkers (one I met this past weekend and SHE NEEDS TO COME OUT OF LURKDOM!  )
When I was a moderator, we used to try and brainstorm ways to get the lurkers and the quiet members to join in the fray ... to post their advice or their concerns ... to throw in their $.02. Now as a retired mod, I still see so many newbies and quiet members who feel overwhelmed or that they don't have anything to add .... you all do.
Please, please don't be afraid to jump in and join in and share. That's what this forum is all about ... helping each other live, love and learn in the hearts of our homes! We can't do this alone. We need family .... and 4real is a family.
I can't tell you the numerous blessings I've received from (and hope, have given to) many of the folks on this forum ... and I know others feel the same.
So please, all you lurkers, come on out and play! 
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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LLMom
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I've been wondering where a few of the long, old-time members have been. Come out, come out wherever you are
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Lisa
For veteran & former homeschool moms
homeschooling ideas
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MaryM
Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: June 10 2009 at 1:57pm | IP Logged
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Mary - I thought you were going to have one of those great questions listed here to get us started...
And yes, since I approve the memberships, I know we have lots and lots of new members - we'd love to hear your "voice."
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Molly Smith
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Joined: Feb 08 2005
Location: Virginia
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| Posted: June 10 2009 at 3:01pm | IP Logged
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I've been here (well, and the old CM yahoo group, too) since 98 or 99. I love it even though I don't participate too much.
I've been thinking lately about Irene Starrs. Are you still here Irene? Hope you are well!
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Molly Smith in VA
Mom to seven beautiful children, ages 1-14
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JennGM
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Too funny, Mary! I was just with another member today, Rachel May, and we discussing something very similar.
We're also itching for some deep conversations that delve into the who, what, where, when, and why...not just the How? and the answer threads. New and old names are welcome to start the discussions.
This time of year is so perfect for that, trying to see what niche our family will take for the upcoming school year.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Erin
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Joined: Feb 23 2005
Location: Australia
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Oh I'd love a deep conversation, I'm feeling knocked for six at present after a friend of nine has put her kids into school. I'm revisiting WHY I homeschool, (feeling flat doesn't help, looong conversation with dh late into the night)I popped on over to here after a month away and realised I really NEED you dear friends.
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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4 lads mom
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Amen to all said.
I felt so overwhelmed when we moved two years ago to another state....one that isn't particularly Catholic or overly friendly.....but this board really carried me in a lot of ways. I continued to have my friends here, it helped during the "no friend" transition in our new state....and your prayer support through all of our issues with Lily has been so, so appreciated.
I am feeling a wee bit overwhelmed as we start a second high schooler.....Lily is ramping up with a LOT of serious surgery stuff this Fall....and new therapies out of the home.....and my little guy with dyslexia continues to need a lot of one on one...a lot. So...I really love coming here and reading and being encouraged.
What kind of "deep" conversation would you all like to have? I love all of the "philosophy of hs" kind of discussions.....I have also learned so much about keeping a nice house, (um, I hope none of my family are looking over my shoulder, they would be like, "UH?) 
Thanks for being here!!
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Mom of four brave lads and one sweet lassie
Scenes From This and That
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Natalia
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Location: Louisiana
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| Posted: June 10 2009 at 7:17pm | IP Logged
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I am an old timer also and was thinking along the same lines as Mary (G) just the other day.
Where have the deep conversations gone?
I have not managed to make a lot of "out of the boards friendships" as many of you have (I guess I don't know the trick yet) but this board means a lot to me.It has really carried me through some hard spots.
I have noticed for myself that I come here for different reasons that before. Now I come of "how tos" and recommendations but not so much for the conversation and the relationships. And I miss it...
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Natalia
http://pannuestrodecadadia.blogspot.com
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Gloria JMJ
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Yes, It's so nice to have Catholic family to talk about things with and get the proper perspective to life . I wouldn't lurk so much if I had more time to post. Gee, I wonder where does the time go....
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Smoothing Stones Holy Family Rosaries
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Carole N.
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Joined: Oct 28 2006
Location: Wales
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| Posted: June 11 2009 at 4:16am | IP Logged
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4 lads mom wrote:
I felt so overwhelmed when we moved two years ago to another state....one that isn't particularly Catholic or overly friendly.....but this board really carried me in a lot of ways. I continued to have my friends here, it helped during the "no friend" transition in our new state....and your prayer support through all of our issues with Lily has been so, so appreciated.
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I couldn't have written this better myself. While it is quite lovely here, the society is so secular and homeschooling is almost non-existent. The forum has helped me to stay grounded in both areas as well as some of the blogs that I visit pretty regularly
I do like the deep discussions, but I usually end up lurking during those. Sometimes, it goes way over my head. But I learn a lot and that is well worth it to me.
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 Carole ... in Wales
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Servant2theKing
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Erin's and 4LadsMom's posts reflect just two of the many reasons I'm so grateful for these forums. We too have weathered numerous fellow homeschoolers sending their children off to school, leaving us feeling somewhat abandoned. We've also experienced a move that left us feeling very alone and isolated. 4Real has truly been our lifeline during such times!
This fall will mark the beginning of our 20th year of homeschooling...even if we were the last family on earth to embrace homeschooling, we would still choose this incredible way of life! The dear souls at 4Real continually keep our homeschooling and family life fresh, inspiring and manageable, come what may! You ladies always remind us why we're doing what we're doing and help us stay the course! Prayers of profound gratitude for the founders and moderators who have made this oasis in the desert possible...you are truly making a difference in so many lives!
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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missionfamily
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Joined: April 10 2007
Location: Louisiana
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I just want to say that when I first found the CCM list I was a "young mom" with only a two year old little boy. I knew I wanted to homeschool and was eager to soak up all the knowledge I could about Charlotte Mason. Here we are 9 years later...I've had five more kids, lived in the three countries, and homeschooled for 6 years. All the while, I've relied on the support and encouragement of this lovely community. I'm so grateful.
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Colleen
dh Greg
mom to Quinn,Gabriel, Brendan,Evan, Kolbe, and sweet St. Bryce
Footprints on the Fridge
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Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
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| Posted: June 11 2009 at 8:29am | IP Logged
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I don't go back "to the beginning," but I too have been blessed by the ladies of 4Real...there are soooo many of us now!
This forum bridges miles and allows me to feel so connected and inspired by each of you. Most of us are planted far away from each other in this garden of our vocations...but this forum allows a connection that is a blessing for this homeschooling mom! I come here for inspiration and refreshment in my homeschooling vocation...and to be challenged to live a life more faithful to God, more enriched by Holy Mother Church - and to embrace and live out my vocation more fully, more abundantly.
I also come here very frequently, not to chat, but to search the archives! They are a treasure unto themselves. Past conversations, reflections on curriculum and books, ideas and philosophies...they're all here. It is sometimes a great comfort to be able to just review these old threads in quiet.
I've watched the evolution of the board over the years, and I don't think we've lost our way. There are sometimes growing pains, but through it all, the vision of this board seems timeless...inspiring homeschooling families in living their vocation in charity, embracing beauty in the ordinary and extraordinary, examining the practical and the nitty-gritty...all of this often "outside the box" in the context of living in our homes in a REAL way.
I'm blessed to be a part of it...and welcome all of you out of lurkdom to join in this great conversation. 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Servant2theKing
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At the beginning of our homeschooling journey I posted the quote below, along with many others, on a bulletin board I just rediscovered this morning, tucked away in the back of a closet:
"A wide knowledge should go hand in hand with care for spiritual progress; religion must permeate and direct every branch of knowledge whatever be its nature, and by its sweetness and majesty must make so great an impression on the minds of youth as to be an instrument to better things." Pope Leo XIII, Militantis Ecclesia
4Real helps direct me toward better ways to "permeate and direct every branch of study" with the "sweetness and majesty" of our Faith and family life, helping us strive for the "better things" of life! I always appreciate the quotes and tidbits of wisdom others share here!
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: June 11 2009 at 11:20am | IP Logged
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Thanks so much for starting this topic, Mary  .
Servant2theKing wrote:
| The dear souls at 4Real continually keep our homeschooling and family life fresh, inspiring and manageable, come what may! |
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Amen, sister!
Let me speak plainly about the fresh part...to stay fresh we need fresh voices! Yep, I'm not above begging! (But I never want to add even a tiny bit of burden to anyone.) To add freshness, I really want to encourage new voices to chime in. There is only one you! Take initiative! Never assume that "they've discussed this a million times" or "this is such a newbie question" or "I'm sure this isn't worth posting"...the point isn't to be original, experienced, or brilliant (although you might surprise yourself!)...the point is to contribute, to enter into dialogue with friends  .
To answer Mary's question, I've been with this community for a long time. I've weathered different seasons of my life, what I can give, and what I need from the board. I love the open door policy here! I've been helped through relocations, different educational concerns, and now through our foster care adventure. There have been times when I've dug deeply to participate in meaty topics and there have been times when I've truly needed the levity of knowing everyone's favorite apple and the inspiration of what's for dinner? The most consistent joy for me is the We Pray to the Lord forum. It is such a privilege to pray for each other, to enter into each other's sufferings freely, to learn how to suffer graciously from each other, and oh the joy of the miracles!
I will never be able to give as much as I have received from this generous community  <- happy tears. Thank you!
I need to start my day...have a great one!
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
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teachingmom
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Virginia Bluebells
Joined: Feb 16 2005
Location: Virginia
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| Posted: June 11 2009 at 10:09pm | IP Logged
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Molly Smith wrote:
| I've been thinking lately about Irene Starrs. Are you still here Irene? Hope you are well! |
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Molly, you just made my day! I hope I run into you tomorrow in the vendor hall at the IHM conference, seeing as how that's our "in real life" annual meeting.
Yes, I am still here, but must admit that I only drop in occasionally. I've tried to limit my online time better in the past year, and that meant dropping some obsessive reading of everything here. Now I drop in a few times each month and catch up in one long marathon read. But I find that I don't post much because of that.
Thank goodness I have my good friend Mary Chris to give me a heads up if something important or really interesting is talked about here. She's the one who told me about your inquiring post, Molly.
This community will always be my first and main source of homeschool support, going back to the summer of 1999 when I met Elizabeth, MacBeth and Michele Q. at the Nache Conference and they were advertising for the CCM Yahoo group. My oldest dd was just about to start kindergarten when I joined. Now she's just finishing 9th grade in our homeschool. Wow, I just realized that it's been almost 10 years!
I love this forum. I love the friendships it has brought me. The information I've gotten here has been a blessing to our homeschool. The prayer support I've received here over the years has been amazing!
I'll also encourage all of you newer members to jump in and feel free to post. It really can enrich your homeschool and your life.
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~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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teachingmom
Forum All-Star
Virginia Bluebells
Joined: Feb 16 2005
Location: Virginia
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Posts: 2120
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Natalia wrote:
| I have not managed to make a lot of "out of the boards friendships" as many of you have (I guess I don't know the trick yet) but this board means a lot to me.It has really carried me through some hard spots. |
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Natalia, I was thinking of you last week on my 2nd dd's 13th birthday. I was remembering her 12th birthday when a group of us met up with you when you were vacationing in DC. Remember the awful weather that rolled in that afternoon? Anyway, it's always great to meet up with fellow forum members, and I totally enjoyed our conversations that day.
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~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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RenB
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Joined: Jan 15 2007
Location: Canada
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Oh dear, I feel OLD! I was a member of the CM list, long before Michelle and Elizabeth "met online" and the CCM list began. I met Michelle years ago at the Seattle Conference, and there were maybe eight of us there from the list. It was wonderful to meet these lovely ladies! Naturally when we have many children in our nests, we keep meeting up with one another through the years to come with new babes in arms the next time.
Fast forward to now, moved from BC to Ontario, shocking really to leave half our family behind and know no one, and then recently we made yet another move again just when the dust was settling under our feet not even three years later to begin anew all over again. It's been very tough this time but then, when our internet allows for checking these boards, I find kindred spirits aplenty to offer comfort on any weary day. I find bountiful blessings of encouragement from everyone here.
Every family is on their own unique journey, I know that only too well. However coming for a "tea/coffee" visit to this board is like walking along and taking a rest with a nice cold glass of ice tea when stopping to catch a breath and find refreshment along the often winding path before us with a wonderful neighbor waiting to chat (the boards).
Ladies, you are all blessings to me. I've also enjoyed my "journey" by getting to know many of you along the way throughout the years. Familiar names, familiar faces all over the place. We may not have the time to delve into meaty discussions as often as we'd prefer, but heh, I submit to the "long timers" to come out and update us all here too when you are able. God bless!
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Blessings;
Renee
Mommy to eight, cherished treasures sent to us 22 years apart. Nana to seven lovelies...so far.
"Go East," they said
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Mimip
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Joined: Feb 17 2009
Location: Florida
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As one of those new voices I want to thank you so much. What made me want to come out of lurkdom (sp?) was the ability to ask questions of you all.
I have really struggled with being one of few women in the area that do not use a packaged curriculum. I look forward to hearing you all describe your days and your curriculum because I can see that I too can incorporate it all. (Okay not all, but some )
I also love to read the prayer boards and unite in prayer.
It has been a very tough year for me IRL with way too many things to list on this note but I am really struggling with my place in our HS group. l
have needed to just read and contribute to something positive.
This coming year I am dedicating to finding the true joy and beauty of home schooling in the Catholic Family. I would love to have a discussion about how we can keep from constantly analyzing the bad and enjoying the wonderful vocation that the Lord has given us.
May the Lord bless you all eternally and BTW I love all your blogs
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In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: In the beginning ....
