“Doling out perspective and hindsight in heaping proportions, Hawkins poignantly, yet humorously addresses the joys and struggles experienced by nearly all first-time homeschoolers–McDonald’s or Chick-fil-a for recess? Laughing aloud at the workings of Julianne’s mind, I recognized a kindred spirit as she grappled with the same frantic preparation, blissful naiveté, lingering self-doubts, and finally, the “peace that passeth all understanding” that comes when she answered a resounding “Yes!” to God’s call on this season of her life.”
– Heather Sanders; homeschooling speaker and contributor to www.thepioneerwoman.com/homeschooling, and homeschooling mother of three
“Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler with grown kids, a young mom with a table full of young ones around you, or someone just dipping your toes in the water, wondering if
you could educate your own child, this book will make you laugh and nod and remember that you’ll never be alone on this adventure. Between laughs, don’t be surprised if you also pick up ideas that will simplify your own homeschooling plan.”
- Mary Ostyn; speaker, blogger at http://owlhaven.net, author of Family Feasts for $75 a Week, and A Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family.
“You will meet a normal mother of normal children facing a normal, chaotic year of trying to figure out what it means to homeschool and love her family. It’s not always pretty… and that’s why my wife likes this book. It tells it like it is and serves as a reminder that she’s not alone in her struggles and frustrations. When you read it from
someone else’s perspective, it helps you to laugh and see things more clearly.”
- Todd Wilson, “The Familyman”, speaker, author of Lies Homeschooling
Moms Believe, and homeschooling father of eight
“Certainly 5 stars …Absolutely lives up to the hilarious promise of the back cover description. I think it might confirm most people’s conviction that they should or that they could not homeschool – the book tells how honestly difficult & often frustrating it is to stay home with several young children, but it also explains the spiritual & family & learning benefits of being able to do it… Encouraging spiritually. Definitely emphasizes the special-ness of children. Also the fact that they are nuts. ” - Liz; homeschooling mother of five; Tulsa, Oklahoma
“There is definite food for thought here: depth to the content and characters, depth to the intelligence of the protagonist, and depth to the rendering of the experience of parenthood. There’s depth and beauty, too, in the images and impactful, thoughtful arrangements of words. I think it’s a very special combination of smooth-reading and depth, really maximizing both.”
- Jessica; Germantown, Maryland
“Especially for first time homeschoolers… I think it’s very helpful to know these things before you start, instead of jumping in blind and thinking everything will work perfectly. … I couldn’t put it down. … It definitely made me feel like a more normal mom….I loved how real it was…. I already recommended it to my sister-in-law.”
- Dana; mother of four and former homeschooler; Paris, France
“Stinkin’ Hilarious”
- Julie; mother of a preschoolers and a toddler; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“Very funny; captures motherhood”
- Carrie; mother of a preschooler and a baby; Tulsa, Oklahoma
“Just finished it! Could NOT stop reading it. I never stay up late reading!
It’s great … I love it!”
- Tammy; mother of a preschooler and a baby; Austin, Texas
“I had to force myself to put it down! …Made me feel better about the stunts my almost 4yr old pulls.”
- Katie; mother of toddler and preschooler; Fort Worth, Texas
“Four stars. I enjoyed how honest the author is in describing Julianne’s struggles with mothering and homeschooling. I believe it was a truthful depiction of everyday life in a homeschooling household. …Julianne’s advice from her friend, Lisa, about chores is excellent. …concrete ideas and suggestions specifically related to juggling a homeschooling household.”
- Erica; mother of three, considering homeschooling; Fort Worth, Texas
“I especially like the first page of each chapter and … the schedule or drawings or calendars- great idea! … As a reader, I was drawn in by the subject matter because this is the life I live.”
- Amy T.; homeschooling mother of three; Tulsa, Oklahoma
“Read this book if you need a good belly-laugh (especially you Moms!). Love how the author goes from a silly, hair-pulling Mommy moment and then right into a tender, joyous, quiet moment. The adventures of parenting are well-described and the sweetness of being a Mom in a household of crazy-fun kids is well put.”
- Amy B.; admirer of homeschool-teaching moms; mother of 7 year old twins and a toddler; Tulsa, Oklahoma