Jacobi Bird learned about teaching by the spirit when she taught the Junior A Class at the Everett, WA, Kimber Academy in its first year of operation. Jacobi loves living and learning in Renton, Washington with her devoted husband Doug Bird and six happy children. Three boys and three girls earned them the nickname "The Birdy Bunch". Together they enjoy "My Chi" (their own unique version of Tai Chi), singing and piano, hiking and water fights (outside only--usually), and especially reading history or Shakespeare, sometimes late into the night. She learned about Homeschooling as a newlywed from another busy Mom of six young children. Her first impressions of a happy bustling home, that quieted to such a gentle spirit at times, left a mark on her she remembered later when her oldest son was struggling to find his niche in a Kindergarten classroom. Towards the end of the school year her son asked her, "Mom, can you teach me how to be a teacher?"

This year especially has been has been full of change and challenge. Living without a kitchen and taking care of extra children stretched her creative capacities to the limit but she made it. Through it all she owes great thanks to the many homeschoolers who navigated these waters before her. Attending training and conferences, online and local support groups, have played a role in her growth and development as a homeschool Mom. But overall, it is overcoming the tears and fears, discovering new talents, and the simple "ah ha" moments that keep her going. There is nothing like the joyful smile of a daughter who finally can read or the wide open eyes of a son staring in fascination as together we watch an experiment come to fruition. At the end of the day she will say, "My son, thank you for teaching me how to be a teacher."

"It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around, can warm up at it's glowing!" Have schooling challenges left the heart of your home a little cold? The words to Kurt Kaisers ballad I learned as a girl around the campfire have been running through my head as I remember times I have sat with other homeschool parents to discuss our unique challenges and experiences. I gain so much from hearing of other's successes and usually come away with new energy to teach my children. The ideas and dreams you have as a homeschooling family don't have to fade into the background when life's challenges weigh in upon you. Even while dealing with other pressing issues whether it be illness, or babies and other parenting challenges, or leaky kitchens, it is possible to recall to mind and experience again the wonder of those first impressions to homeschool and truly be happy to learn together.

Come join us around the "campfire." No one has figured it all out but collectively, we have each had our own "ah ha" moment, a spark that can ignite a fire in another's heart and mind. "Out of small and simple things" we can gain great wisdom. I will have some thoughts to share, but what we really want to hear is how you do it, that one thing that you figured out that helped you get through another day. Whether it be a new teaching, storage or scheduling technique, or favorite curriculum, or helpful book; find hope in hearing and sharing some practical ways to keep the heart of our home schools alive. Let's "warm up" from the support and friendship of others going through the same thing!