volume 11,issue 3 - virginia homeschool| home educators...

Volume 11, Issue 3

Home-Office Management for Parents

Homeschooling Families in Business

A Life of Integrity

Convention Highlights!

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THE VIRGINIA HOME EDUCATOR l 3

contents

9 Joy in the Journey

12 Home-Office Management forParents: Seven Tips for Managing Your Time, Debbie Williams

14 Homeschooling Families in BusinessStories from Our Readers

22 A Life of Integrity, Joel Orr, Ph.D.

4 From the Editor, Mary Kay Smith

5 Letters

6 Virginia Kids Did It!

8 From the Executive Director’s Desk, Yvonne Bunn

10 Freedom Watch

25 Resources, Nancy Coleman

24 Coming To Virginia

26 Classified Ads

features

departments

HEAV Board of DirectorsAnne Miller | President/Executive Editor Williamsburg | [email protected] Linder | Vice President | [email protected] Bentley | Secretary | [email protected] Musick | Treasurer | [email protected] Boyer | [email protected] Ryan | [email protected]

Advisory BoardFlorence Feldman | Convention DirectorVirginia Beach | [email protected] Linder | [email protected] Moore | Virginia [email protected]

Executive DirectorYvonne Bunn | ex officio Board MemberMurfreesboro | [email protected]

Projects, Personnel & ConventionFlorence Feldman | [email protected]

Office StaffVicki Bentley | Office ManagerKitty Hepler | Office Financial Assistant

Publications StaffMichael Grice | Update [email protected]

TinaMarie Hintz | Update Project [email protected]

Mary Kay Smith | Magazine [email protected]

Dr. Joel Orr | Associate [email protected]

George Bunn | Advertising [email protected]

Ideas in Marketing, LLC | Design & [email protected]

Please pray for us!Send address changes to: Home Educators Association of Virginia, 2248-G Dabney Road, Richmond, Virginia 23230-0745; Fax: 804-278-9202; E-mail: [email protected];Phone: 804-278-9200; or Web: www.heav.org.For fastest service, send your former and new addresses.

4 l THE VIRGINIA HOME EDUCATOR

Index toAdvertisers

The purpose of The Virginia Home Educator isto provide a forum for the discussion of Virginiahomeschool issues. The views expressed in thismagazine do not necessarily reflect those of theHome Educators Association of Virginia.

The Virginia Home Educator is sent quarterly toVirginia’s homeschooling families without charge.To receive a free subscription, sign up atwww.heav.org.

To inquire about advertising or submitting anarticle, please contact HEAV at PO Box 6745,

Richmond, Virginia 23230-0745; or e-mail us [email protected]. HEAV reserves the right to editfor style and space, and to refuse any submissiondeemed inappropriate for our publication.

Permission is granted to reprint any news itemsfrom this magazine, providing proper credit isgiven; all other material is copyrighted. Forreprint permission, please contact the editor [email protected].

© 2005 Home Educators Association of Virginia

Submission Deadlines:Fall 2005—September 15 • Winter 2006—December 15 • Spring 2006—March 15 • Summer 2006—June 15

Alpha Omega Publications . . . . . . . .12Alpha Omega - Power-Glide . . . . . . .21BJU Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFCThe Bread Beckers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6The Cropper’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . .10Covenant Home Curriculum . . . . . .12Dr. Alan Toler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Dr. Martin Forman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Eagle Funding Group, LTD. . . . . . . . .18Etiquette School of Virginia . . . . . . . . .5Fork Union Military Academy . . . . . .13God’s World News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Greathall Productions, Inc. . . . . . . . .25Hampton Roads Naval Museum . . . .23The Home School Foundation . . . . .14Home School Legal Defense . . . . . . .24Home School Legal Defense . . . .OBCKeystone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Patrick Henry College . . . . . . . . . . . .16Professor B’s Power Mathematics . .IBCRichmond Piano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Roanoke Bible College . . . . . . . . . . . .5Science Museum of Virginia . . . . . . .23Seton Testing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Shiller Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

I wasn’t sure it could be done. After all, how manywedding cakes have you seen that can be success-fully carried on a head? But the request came with

the assumption that this was nothing unusual, andwhen you are trying to be helpful and earn money asa teenager, you are reluctant to turn business away.

So I made the cake. It was three-tiered; rectangular for strength; and though ithad a decorative topper, it didn’t have separating pillars—I doubted the lady’s skillwas that good. But when she came to pick it up, she easily balanced this one on herhead and walked regally away, thrilled to have a real wedding cake decorated in yel-low icing roses and white icing swags for her special day.

Unless you are a milliner, I doubt you can boast that the fruit of your businesshas been carried away on someone’s head. You probably won’t even be able to relayan experience like mine when our car slid along the muddy Ubombo Mountain roadpast chickens and goats to another wedding, my mother and brother helping mehang on to the various tiers of the cake as my dad directed, “Hold on—here comesanother pothole.” But everyone in his or her own business will have some kind ofstory to tell!

Cake decorating didn’t start out as a business for me. It was a hobby and, in fact,I only continued it as a business through high school and then turned it back into ahobby. My first wedding cake was by request, as a favor to an African pastor and hisnurse wife. From there, the idea spread to his relatives and co-workers, and thenbeyond to someone I’d never heard of, who walked several miles through the bushto carry the cake home on her head.

Many businesses start out that way. Sometimes we forget that a skill we haveacquired is marketable to anyone else. It’s true that some pastimes are best left ashobbies—you don’t want to “burn out” doing something you enjoy a little but notenough to work at several hours a day. But often hobbies are the beginning of suc-cessful home businesses.

Are you considering starting a home business? Wondering how to choose, orwhat’s involved? Take a look at the business ideas in this issue, and maybe you’ll findjust the information and inspiration you need. We showcase part-time work by kidsand moms as well as full-time self-employment ideas by parents who have decidedto “do it all” out of their house. Maybe one of those options is right for you—fornow, for a while, or from now on. �

FROM THE EDITORMary Kay Smith On the Cover

Vending Machines: Brianna and Ezra Edmonds ofEdmonds SolutionsNote Cards: Renata SeeTupperware: Kathy and Dan Macklin of SpiritEnterprises, Newport News, 757-874-2119Alpaca Farm: Cornerstone Farm Alpacas

Photo Credit: Tupperware and Usborne Books photosby Seth Fisher, Through My Lens Photography

Volume 11, Issue 3

Home-Office Management for Parents

Homeschooling Families in Business

A Life of Integrity

Convention Highlights!


LETTERS KINGS DOMINION HOMESCHOOL DAY

We were happy to be able to take advantage of theHomeschool Day at Kings Dominion in April, as we’d never beento an amusement park as a family. I wanted to let you know aboutone of their policies: they allow parents to swap out with thebabies. One parent stands in line, rides the ride, and then theother parent gets their spot right on the next take-off. It workedgreat! And on all but one, they let one of the boys ride again withme, no standing in line twice! I’d never heard of that, and it’s notin the brochure.

Also, they said on the phone that you can take in a backpack-sized bag, so we loaded a diaper bag full of Gatorades and a backpack full of snacks. That way we didn’t need to pay the exorbitant prices for anything to eat or drink, or even hike backto the van for lunch. We thought someone else might be able touse this info on a future trip. It was a huge help to us! It was agreat day! Thank you for your part in it.

Andrea Kelly, Crewe

THANKS TO YVONNE BUNN AND HEAVOn behalf of the Richmond Hospital Education staff, I would

like to thank you for presenting the topic “Homeschooling” during our staff development activity yesterday. The general infor-mation you presented, as well as the specific information regardinglaws, procedures, and statistics was very informative and well-received. You provided us with information that is timely and relevant as we interact with families and school-division personnel.Many of us had been presented with questions relative to homeschooling—from families, health-care professionals, and community services representatives—and we appreciate the oppor-tunity to increase our knowledge and awareness and to learn directly from you.

Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. We look forwardto working with you as a resource.

Very Truly Yours, Evelyn B. Waddell, Ed. S.Assistant DirectorHospital Education Program

Medical College of VirginiaRequests HomeschoolInformation

The Medical College of Virginia and Richmond Children’sHospital invited HEAV representative Yvonne Bunn to presentthe benefits of home education at an in-service training aboutchronically ill students for the hospital’s educational adminis-trators and tutors. Yvonne presented statistical informationabout home education, the positive outcomes of recent studies,and the requirements of the Virginia law.

The Children’s Hospital’s educational staff is made up ofteachers and tutors who work with children of all ages frompreschoolers who are developmentally delayed, to high schoolstudents who are unable to attend classes because of severemedical conditions. In recent months, the staff has becomeaware of more and more parents who are interested in home-schooling their chronically ill children because of the educa-tional consistency it could offer for a child who is in and out ofthe hospital.

As a result of this presentation, MCV is forwarding HEAV’scontact information to parents who are interested in gatheringinformation and resources about homeschooling. �


VIRGINIA KIDS DID IT!

Congratulations to Susanna Klicka, who won second placeat the Manassas Art Show at the ArtBeat Gallery in Manassas! InMarch, the ArtBeat Gallery featured about 80 pieces of artworkfrom more of than 55 homeschooled students, ages eight to 20,in a special exhibit entitled, “Artists of the Future.” All exhibitorsare students of Patty McMahon Rice, a portrait artist and artteacher for 11 years in Fauquier County. These pieces are on dis-play in the Capitol Building for a year.

To learn more about Patty Rice’s artwork, the ArtBeatGallery, or the HSLDA 2005 Art Contest, go to the followingwebsites: www.pattyrice.com; www.hslda.org/contests/art; www.artbeatgallery.org.

Congratulations to Ben Smith, Cascades, who receivednumerous honors as an outstanding Eagle Scout in Virginia

Veterans of Foreign Wars(VFW) competitions. Hewas made Arlington’s JohnLyon Post 3150 Eagle Scoutof the Year, and then went

on to win the same honor in the 10th district, and then secondplace in the state! For information on VFW’s Eagle-Scout-of-the-Year program, go to www.vfw.org.

Henrico County 4-H Titans LifeSmarts team won the statecompetition at Virginia Commonwealth University in March. Thewinning Titans include Jordan Anderson, John Cummings,Briana Dawkins, Nathanael Goodman, and Matthew Vinson.sixty six teams applied on-line; 34 teams had at least four studentsto complete the test, and the top 16 scoring teams were chosen tocompete at the state competition.

Henrico 4-H had two teams qualify. The second Henrico 4-Hteam was composed of Josh Clark, Nicole Clark, KatrinaLarson, Kristopher Larson, and Ariel Simon.

Then, along with coach Karie Dawkins and assistant coach and4-H agent Kendra Kyle, the Titans went on to the national com-petition in San Francisco in April. It was an exciting competitionwith 34 teams dueling it out to be the LifeSmarts Champions.The Titans won their first match and did well in their secondmatch, losing by just one question.

LifeSmarts is a Jeopardy-like competition about consumerinformation. Check the website www.lifesmarts.org to learn more.

Congratulations to Michelle Lesensky’s P.E.A.C.H. home-school team of Crystal and Steven Valdez, who took first-placeregionally, and fifth-place in the state, in the fall Stock MarketGame. This was the first time P.E.A.C.H. homeschool group participated in this program, and they sent two teams.

Participants were provided game money of $100,000. Withthat money, the Valdez team created a growth of $44,219 in amatter of a few short months...totalling $144,219! Winning teammembers have been invited to the Federal Reserve Bank inRichmond for an awards banquet, and also to James MadisonUniversity for an awards ceremony.

To learn about this program, go to www.smg2000.org.

The Titans and coaches at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco.

Ben Smith, VFW Post 3150’sEagle Scout of the Year, receiveshis award and congratulations fromPost Commander, Greg Moscater.


Congratulations to Capital Baptist Homeschool Co-op,Annandale, who did a great job in their second year of the Odysseyof the Mind competition. In April, they entered four teams in theNoVA West Regional Tournament, and all four teams placed infour different problems! Two teams took first place, and went onto state competition.

Their Division I team, in the “Get the Message?” category ofthe state competition, was also bestowed with the highly prizedRanatra Fusca award, given to a team that shows exceptional cre-ativity and willingness to take intellectual risks.’ This award is not given out each year unless an exceptional team is identified.Their coach was Patty Whelply.

Their Division III “Stunt Mobiles” team took second place atstate finals, making them eligible for world competition inColorado in May. Their coach was Kathy Rossell.

Congratulations to 17-year-old Olivia Williams, StuartsDraft, who won a $1000 college scholarship awarded by the Lee-Jackson Foundation of Charlottesville for the year 2004-2005.The scholarship was awarded for an essay Olivia submitted lastyear entitled “Stonewall Jackson: Soldier of the Cross.” She wasalso awarded an extra $1000 bonus for her essay being judgedthe best of all private and homeschool essays in Virginia! To findout more about this contest, go to www.lee-jackson.org/#essay.

Congratulations to homeschool senior, Marissa Heebner,on her accomplishments in swimming and academics. Marissawas recruited by NCAA Division I Western Kentucky Universityto swim for the Hilltoppers. She has been awarded an athleticscholarship and the university’s Regents Scholarship for academ-ic achievements, leadership, extra-curricular activities, and citi-zenship. Marissa has been swimming competitively since agee ight . She has been aPotomac Valley SwimmingScholar Athlete and USASwimming Scholastic AllAmer ica Team memberthroughout high school.She currently trains withCurl-Burke Swim Club.

"Get the Message" team, top row from left: Kristin Clermont &Barbara Montgomery; bottom row from left: Anna Milograno,Rose Ducat & Katie Ruggles

"Stunt Mobiles" world team, top row from left: Joseph Rossell, AlexanderKlein, Sam Ducat (w/ mask on), Paul Christophersen, and CharissaEagy; bottom row from left: Claire Rossell and Ben Rossell.

Congratulations to eight-year-old Meredith Collins,(Fincastle), who won first placeat the 2005 Virginia StateScholastic Chess ChampionshipTournament held in Yorktownin March. Meredith competedwith 99 other students fromkindergarten through thirdgrade, finishing with five winsand one draw in six games.Her record was matched byanother student from Richmond,earning each the title of co-champion; however, Meredith was awarded the first-placetrophy based on a tie-breaker system.

Meredith is a member of the Greater RoanokeHomeschool Chess Club, the Roanoke Valley Chess Club,and a student of Life Master Neal Harris of Hendersonville,NC. She learned to play chess at the age of five from herolder sister, Emily, who is now ranked 33rd in the UnitedStates among girls under age 13. �

To find out more about this program, go to www.odyssey-ofthemind.com.


It’s hard to believe the 2005HEAV Convention has comeand gone. It’s now a memory,

but what a great memory! I’ll long remember some

of the highlights: the children’sprogram filled with eager chil-dren waiting for the day’s activ-

ities; standing-room-only workshops with practicalinformation; keynotes with stirring messages of encouragement, as well as the fun-filled, hand-clappingmusic of the Hunt Family Fiddlers; a used-curriculumsale with more books and clients than ever before; anexhibit hall with parents, book-carts in tow, circling firstone aisle then the other in search of resources; hallspacked with people meeting and greeting and scurryingfrom workshop to workshop; and a graduation filledwith family and friends cheering one moment then crying the next.

What an opportunity to connect with others! Notonly did counseling and sharing take place at the HEAVtables, but also in the workshops and keynotes, in theexhibit hall, at the single-parent luncheon, during thesupport-group leaders’ luncheon, and all among new andexperienced homeschoolers! What a wealth of informa-tion was shared!

Although we’re still processing our convention records, webelieve we had more people in attendance than ever before. I’ll be sure to give you the exciting statistics in the next issue. I’veincluded a few notes below from some of the many people whofilled out evaluation forms or sent us e-mails. Everyday welearn about new, exciting things that happened. I believe thesecomments will bless you and encourage your heart just as theyhave ours.

I want to thank you (and Cherrie Moore) for the single parents’ lunch-eon. As a newly divorced homeschooling mom, I will never forget the facesand stories at that luncheon. It may have changed my life. I am heartbrokento be among this group, and yet I am now also overwhelmed with pride tobe among such an inspiring and courageous group.

I came away so incredibly stirred by the vision of these ladies that is lead-ing them to homeschool their children despite almost insurmountable odds.This truly is a new movement in our land—of women committed to shep-herding their children to safety in creative home education after disaster hasstruck their family unit.

Homeschooling may not be for all broken families, but at least singlemothers are hearing there is another option out there and can say, “By thegrace of God and with the help of Christian family, there is a new way.”

I went to the HEAV conference barely hanging on by my fingernails,wondering if I would find any encouragement at all because of my circum-stances. I came home a woman of incredible vision because of those storiesI heard. Thank you for caring enough for the widows and orphans that youand Cherrie provided such a rich avenue for inspiration.

With blessings and thankfulness, Jan E.

Thank you for all the work you did for graduation. The ceremony wasvery well done and everything seemed to be performed with excellence.

Thank you also for the special mention that Sarah’s dad could not be present because he was deployed. After serving in the military for about25 years he was surprised to be called to active duty from the reserves. Wekept praying that he would be able to make the graduation; however, that wasnot in God’s timetable.

During graduation, I was able to contact Jay on my cell phone and held it so he could hear Sarah’s name called. Then I gave the phone to herso he could congratulate her. That way he felt connected. Sarah is our onlychild and this was an extra-special time for us. Thank you again for going the extra mile in honoring our request and making special mention. We arevery grateful.

Sincerely,Debbie S.

My only challenge is how to get to go to all the workshops that I want toattend. Thank you for putting this convention on every year. A.W.

(We know it’s hard to do everything! Don’t forget to get the tapes for the ses-sions you couldn’t attend! HEAV)

You did a super job! I can’t believe you do this with volunteers! N.J.

(Thank you, volunteers. We could never do this without you! HEAV)

For my first visit, my expectations were exceeded! Thank you! L.T.

This is the best one I’ve been to so far! A.A.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK Yvonne Bunn


To order convention tapes and CDs, visit www.bestchristianconferences.com

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2005 HEAV CONVENTION


FREEDOM WATCH

Approval vs. Notice HSLDAIn May, the Office of Student Services of the Virginia

Beach City Public Schools notified homeschooling familiesthat they must report their intention to homeschool their chil-dren to the superintendent by August 1st of each year. Theirattached Notice of Intent form repeated the mistake. The cor-rect date is August 15th.

Her letter also suggested that parents must “apply” tohomeschool and obtain “approval” from the school system.Under Virginia law, homeschool families do not need to eitherapply for, or obtain, approval. Families simply file a notice ofintent, and they can begin home instruction immediately. Theauthor of the letter said she would correct the date and reviewthe language before sending it out again next year.

This is not a trivial issue.If “approval” were required, the government would

have far more power over families. Parents might not beallowed to start homeschooling their children until theywere approved. Because Virginia has a simple noticerequirement, parents’ rights are more robustly protected.The requirement of notice, as opposed to approval, is animportant safeguard to our liberties. When officials implythat approval is required, we must respond.

Army Opens Doors Wide to Homeschool Graduates HSLDA

After the Army’s five-year pilot project to place home-schoolers in the Tier 1 category ended in October 2004, theArmy chose to open the door wide for qualifying homeschoolgraduates. That means they have all the same benefits andpositions that are available to traditional high school graduateswithout having to obtain a GED. The Army is able to do thiswith the blessing of the Defense Department.

The Army now offers qualified homeschool graduates avariety of enlistment incentives, including enlistment of home-school seniors into the Future Soldiers program.

Under current Army policy, applicants who qualify as ahomeschool graduate will now be eligible for the same enlist-ment incentives as a traditional high school graduate.

This is part of a special test program the Army is develop-ing to predict first-term attrition among Army enlistees.Currently, the best single predictor of an individual’s likeli-hood of adapting to the military is a traditional high schooldiploma. However, many individuals with alternative educa-tion experiences are successful in the military.

Homeschool graduates seeking to enlist in the militaryneed to meet the following criteria:


1)A homeschool diploma and transcript are required at the time of enlistment. The course work must involve parentalsupervision, and the transcript must reflect the normal credit hours per subject used in traditional high school.

2)Must score 31 or above on the ASVAB.3)Must take the 20-minute Assessment of Individual

Motivation (AIM) test. The AIM test score will be used to obtain data and will not affect his/her enlistment.

4)At a minimum, the last academic year (nine months) must be completed in a homeschool environment.

Virginia Beach Policies Challenged*

HEAVJudi Munday, Sarah Olbris, and Yvonne Bunn of HEAV

met with Denise White, Coordinator of Student Services andhomeschool contact for Virginia Beach Public Schools, to discuss Virginia Beach’s testing policies for homeschoolers.

Mrs. White insisted that in Virginia Beach, homeschooledchildren can only be identified as learning disabled if they areevaluated by the public school system. No other form of eval-uation would be accepted—not by a psychologist, psychiatrist,certified special education instructor, or other professional. Wechallenged Mrs. White on the legality of this policy.

Mrs. White also indicated that LD students may be placedon probation and would have to show progress as compared to the Standards of Learning in order to continue to homeschool. HEAV will continue to attempt to reason withMrs. White and the Virginia Beach superintendent on theseexcessive policies.

*Note: HEAV also recommends that Virginia Beach home-schoolers use the Notice of Intent form on our website atwww.heav.org instead of the form they received in the mail.The Virginia Beach form requests more information than thelaw requires.

Newport News Offers Services HEAVHEAV was invited to represent homeschoolers at a meet-

ing with Newport News Public Schools. Robert Pietrasanta,Director of Special Education and Assessment Services, indi-cated the Newport News Board of Education had set aside apercentage of their funds for private and homeschool servicesin their community. The purpose of the meeting was to discussthe service that would be most useful for private and home-schooled students. The limited funds would be channeled intoonly one service.

The meeting included private school representatives, severalNewport News Public school officials, a homeschool parent of aspecial-needs child, and HEAV representative Yvonne Bunn.The general consensus was to use the funds for speech therapy.

If you are a resident of Newport News and would likemore information about this service, you may contact RobertPietrasanta at 757-591-4597. �


As a home-business owner you canbudget your finances, createwhiz-bang proposals, and effec-

tively maintain a client list. But when itcomes to working with unauthorized per-sonnel—those under twenty and less thanfive feet tall—your mind draws a blank.

The thought of your three-year-old pick-ing up the ringing phone and sharing herphilosophy of life gives you the shudders,and you’re not quite sure how to balancefamily time with productive work time.

Use these seven tips for managingyour time, and effectively limit interrup-tions from your own residential staff.

Office HoursSet office hours and stick to them. Post

this list on your fridge or bulletin boardwhere your family can see it, and remindyourself to close up shop at the appointedhour. Being accessible 24/7 is not the roadto success if you are spreading yourself sothin that your family barely recognizes youand your phone rings around the clock.Focus on work during office hours, andthen transition into parent and spousemode at the end of your day.

Performing a simple ritual such asstraightening your desk, or making tomor-row’s to-do list, will help you move fromworker to parent in a simple but effectiveway, even if your commute home is justdown the stairs or across the kitchen.

Blocked ViewClose the door and walk away, or put

up a decorative folding screen to block theview of works in progress. If you walk byyour home office or desk piled high withreports, it’s hard to focus on what yourfamily needs from you. Although many ofus can and do multi-task quite well, it’s

Home-Office Management for Parents:Seven Tips for Managing Your Time Debbie Williams

fairly impossible to concentrate on every-thing equally well—something you hearand respond to will suffer in the process.

Mentally hang a CLOSED sign onyour office door, and resist the urge toreopen for “just one more thing.” Yourfamily will thank you for it!

BoundariesEstablish boundaries: create a “do-

not-touch” pile or “do-not-enter” zone inyour work area. Determine how muchinput you need from the members of yourfamily when it comes to work, and letthem know what you expect from them. Ifyou allow your four-year-old daughter tocolor at your desk so you can keep hernearby, then don’t be surprised when shecolors your sales report or presentationhandouts. Consider making a niche orsmall desk for her to use as her own office,complete with office supplies. Be sure toinstruct her in the use of your office, suchas what is usable and what is not allowed,so that there are no misunderstandings.

If you do not want anyone in yourwork area under any circumstances,then tell your family your wishes upfront. Don’t wait until there is a disas-ter to notify them of the rules. One ofmy clients made her rules crystal-clearby hanging a construction-paper signon her door: a stop sign meant “Do notcome in under any circumstances (workin progress).” A yellow smiley facemeant “Come on in and keep me com-pany; let’s work together.”

Phone RulesCreate phone rules such as: no talking

allowed, use an inside voice, or whisperwhen mom or dad is on the phone. Screencalls during melt-downs or family time; donot allow children or unauthorized per-sons to answer your business line—or onlywith instruction.

Early in my business as a professionalorganizer, I instructed my family to whisper while I was on the phone. Notonly does this prevent unwanted back-ground noises during a business call, but it also respects their need to carry on aconversation.

Screening your phone calls duringtemper tantrums (and we’re talking about


your kids here, not you!) helps you focuson home matters when they need to be atop priority—don’t worry about thecaller; if it’s important, he’ll call back orleave a message. Use “caller ID” to youradvantage—I have a unit on every phonein my house.

Unless you have older children orphone-savvy spouses, I recommend thatyou don’t allow anyone else to answeryour business line. When you’re elbow-deep in diaper changes or mediating afight among siblings, the last thing youneed is to switch gears and speak tosomeone wanting to sponsor your salesconference!

Quiet ActivitiesAssemble a “quiet-activity box” for spe-cial times such as phone calls, writingtime, or times when you need to reallyfocus on your work. If your children areinfants or toddlers, stash toys in a milkcrate or wicker basket and pull these outbefore returning phone calls or sittingdown to balance your checkbook.Preschoolers love looking at books orcreating masterpieces with markers, andthese should be used only during specialtimes. Older children might enjoy watch-ing a video or working with modelingclay, and that usually provides you with15 minutes or so of uninterrupted time(if you’re lucky.)

If all else fails, just tell your little JuniorPartner that Daddy needs a few minutes tofinish working on a very important proj-ect, then set the kitchen timer and place itin view but well out of reach. When thetimer rings, the coast is clear and it’s timefor some family time with Dad.

Break TimeUse “Kid Multiplication” when all

else fails: give them 10 and get back 20.It’s amazing how perceptive our sonsand daughters can be when it comes tosensing stress. Quite often children arelike barometers, and taking a break whenthey suggest it is just what the stress doc-tor ordered. If none of your tricks work,then it’s time to just set the work aside,take a short break, and read a story orwork a puzzle. Your child will let youknow when he’s had enough, and before

long will be back at building towers andfighting aliens. After a short kid-break,you’ll be rested and ready to get backto work for a few more minutes. I’veseen this magically happen time andtime again, both with the clients I workwith and in my own home. I guess it’sfair to say that if you just can’t beatthem, join them.

SchedulesWork WITH, not AGAINST,

your kids’ schedule, by utilizing naptimesor when they are doing independentschoolwork. This is probably the bestadvice I can give to anyone workingfrom home, especially if you are justlaunching your home business. Tryingto force your family’s schedule to fitinto your mold creates tension andupheaval. If your children are young,work when they are napping or afterthey go to sleep at night. As they growolder, you can do a little work whenthey are having a snack at the table or intheir highchair. Then when your spousewalks in from a busy day at the office,it’s time to take a break and become thebest mom or dad you can possibly be.

In Summary When the kids are awake needing

your attention and affection, it’s time toevaluate your priorities and determinehow much you will be available to caterto their needs and desires. This is some-thing that every parent has to figure outfor himself—there is no magic formula.You can choose the easy route, by keep-ing the lines of communication openand reassessing the rules on a regularbasis; or take the bumpy road and workaround the clock, making your familyresent you and your business. But thejourney can be rewarding and filled withwonderful adventures. Happy motoringto you!

Debbie Williams is an organizing strategist,homeschooling mom, and founder of the onlineorganizing site www.Organizedtimes.com.She is the author of Common Sense Organizing(Champion Press, January 2005), and hosts a weekly syndicated talk radio show, “By the Book.” �


Clevermoms.comBy the time my second child was born, I was constantly look-

ing for bargains to make ends meet, and resorted to online shop-ping at night when everyone was in bed.

I noticed that there were sales, discounts, and codes for hun-dreds of online merchants, but no easy way to locate them quickly.I decided to put together a central site for moms to quickly locatewhat was on sale; the best deals at any given moment; and couponsfor those pesky code boxes when they checked out online.

CleverMoms.com started with just a dozen merchants and hasgrown to over 500 online merchants, and now includesCleverDads.com—which focuses on shopping for men, andCleverBabies.com—which offers maternity, baby, and toddler deals.

My advice for anyone starting a web-based business is that itis really much harder than it looks. It takes many hours of hardwork and commitment. Also, you may have one idea in mind butif you find your customers want something different, add it orchange your business completely to meet customer demand.

For example, CleverMoms started out as an online resaleshop—like a mini e-Bay for moms—and flopped. Everyone wasclicking on the coupon box to see the string of coupons I post-ed daily. So, although I was upset about my poor resale shop fail-ing, when I listened to my customers, the site became anastounding success. CleverMoms was one of the original onlinecoupon sites in 1997; it survived the dot.com burst, and contin-ues to thrive.

Anne Fognano, Mama in Charge, Leesburgwww.CleverMoms.com; www.CleverDads.com;www.CleverBabies.com

WriteAtHomeI was a public high school English teacher for ten years, strug-

gling to feel like I was making a difference. In 1994 I agreed toteach an after-school writing class for homeschoolers, and thatimmediately became the highlight of my teaching week—as 12eager, attentive, and unusually bright students gathered to improvetheir writing skills. I tried to determine if there was any way tomake a living just teaching enrichment classes to homeschoolers.Unfortunately, I couldn’t see a way to make a realistic go of it.

Then the idea struck—there aren’t enough homeschoolers inmy area to make enrichment teaching a realistic career, but cer-tainly there were nation-wide. What about all those homeschool-ing parents who felt ill-equipped to teach writing and didn’t haveaccess to support programs like ours? I began exploring the possi-bilities of using the Internet to teach writing. Before long, I foundthat the Web not only made it possible to teach writing, but actu-ally improved the quality of the instruction I could provide.

That’s how WriteAtHome was born. Our youngest daugh-ter’s nursery was transformed into an office, and voila—homebusiness! Of course I had to supplement my income with free-lance writing, substitute teaching, and house painting while get-ting WriteAtHome off the ground, but within two years, wegrew from five students to over 300. We now involve about 20writing instructors (we call them “writing coaches”) who workfrom their homes to provide encouragement, critique, and eval-uation on student papers.

I am able to provide a genuinely helpful, high-quality serviceto hard-working homeschoolers; and provide gifted writers andteachers the opportunity to use their gifts from home. And I cando it all while being on-hand for my own family, supporting mywife in our own homeschool. What a joy.

Brian Wasko, Virginia [email protected]; www.writeathome.net

Everyday Education I began writing for homeschool publications and speaking at

conventions in the 1990s, and began my website several yearslater. These were wonderful opportunities to share things I hadlearned while homeschooling, teaching high school English, andhelping students transition from high school to college. As Italked to homeschoolers and heard the same questions and con-cerns over and over, I recognized that there were some areaswhere I could provide answers through books or workshops.

My first book, Transcripts Made Easy, was written just aftermy first two boys made the transition into college. Most of thesystems I read about record-keeping and transcripts created fartoo much busywork for my taste—all I wanted was a simpleguide to keeping basic records and creating a credible transcript.When I couldn’t find it, I decided to do some research and writeit myself. I am now working on a third edition.

The Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop was created in response to

Homeschooling Families in Business Stories from Our Readers


the anxious questions I kept hearing about the new timed essayon the SAT. Because homeschoolers do not tend to do a lot oftimed writing, the idea of having to write an essay in 25 minutesseemed quite intimidating. I created a one-day workshop thatprovides a simple, step-by-step guide for planning and writing anacceptable essay in the allotted time.

I am also working on two books, Doing College Your Way and Essays Made Easy. I offer an occasional e-newsletter with tipson writing, test-taking, and college issues through my website.

For other homeschool parents who are considering a business, I would suggest the following: • Keep priorities straight—your family is your first responsibility.• Start small, especially if your children are small.• Choose something that meets a need you understand.• Remember Micah 6:8 daily.

Janice Campbell, [email protected]; www.everydayeducation.com;www.transcriptsmadeeasy.com; www.essayworkshop.com

Professional Home and Auto Inspection Services After working in the insurance field adjusting home and auto

claims for nearly 11 years, my husband John encountered severalincreasingly difficult work situations. After lengthy consideration,prayer, and counsel from our friends and pastor, we believed thatGod was calling our family to begin the journey of self-employment.

Initially receiving support through adjusting auto claims on anindependent basis, the business goals are now focused on build-ing a home-inspection company for people purchasing a home.John also wanted to use his flexible at-home position to allow himmore involvement in training our four children, and in carryingout his care for our small-group members more effectively.

We have been grateful to see both of these desires come topass. God has faithfully provided as we have learned to place our(sometimes wavering) trust in Him for our paycheck. Our needshave been consistently met, and we see that whether we areemployed by a company or working independently, it is the Lordwho sends the finances and we are no more “safe and secure” ina corporate setting than when encountering the fluctuating workload that can accompany a home business. Our place is to servethe Lord, and His place is to provide.

We would love to offer the services of our home business tothe Christian community.

John Robertson, [email protected]; 804-763-0371

Cleaning Service and SeminarsWhen my husband’s busi-

ness started to decline, he wasable to supplement our incomewith construction jobs until hefell and broke his hip and femur.

Desiring to generate need-ed income without sacrificingthe homeschooling of ourchildren, we looked at what

we knew—cleaning the house and entertaining hundreds ofguests, including foreign missionaries from 32 different coun-tries.

We wrote down all the knowledge we had gained about keep-ing the house “company clean,” and started the business CleanImpressions. The girls and I clean several houses each week; myhusband oversees our business, cooks for and entertains our frequent guests; and I conduct cleaning classes and Clean Impressions Seminars, teaching people how to clean efficiently and still enjoy having company. Other topics at each seminar include: how to clean your house without haz-ardous chemicals, time management, hindrances to a cleanhouse, getting your children to help you clean, and spring andfall cleaning tips.

To schedule a cleaning class or host a Clean ImpressionsSeminar at your church or homeschool group, please call us!

Gene and Faylene Lawson, Charlottesville [email protected]. (website under development);434-974-9142

Homeowner Association ManagementI began Dukes Consulting & Management last year. I manage

homeowners’ associations in the Woodbridge-Springfield area. I have about 15 years experience in this area, and I prayed

for 12 of those years to find a way to work at home so that Icould raise my own children while still earning a little some-thing to help out the family. Nothing panned out. Just when Idespaired, two associations responded to my proposals andhired me to handle their accounts.

It is difficult juggling work (which is flexible enough that Ican work at night and weekends), home, and the children. Butwith God’s help I manage, and it seems to get better every day.I’m thankful every day that the Lord answered my need andprovided an income through a business in which I very well-versed.

Janet H. Dukes, [email protected]; 703-863-3049

Computer Repair/Personalized Pet PoetryWe offer two home-based business services. My husband is a

certified computer-repair technician and consultant, and makeshouse and business calls, offering a variety of services, includingupgrades, repairs, consulting, tutoring, anti-virus protection, spy-ware removal, etc., for his company Kane Computing Solutions. Iserve as his secretary.

I also offer the service of personalized pet poetry. All poet-ry is original work, and I include the animal’s name, some per-sonality traits, and the owner’s name in every poem. I do notuse a form—it all comes from the heart. I then mat and framethe artwork, and ship anywhere in the USA. My fee for eachpiece is $65. I do not have a website; however, I can providesamples of the poetry via e-mail (see below).

By providing a service from home, I find it easier to be aconstant support for my child. This fits well with my view of astrong, united, healthy family environment.


If you have something you are good at, I encourage you toexplore and expand it to fit it into your home routine. It maystart slow, it may be a long, difficult road, but I think you willfind the rewards more than compensate for the efforts. Best advice—believe in what you do and don’t give up. Godgave us individual talents; if He believes in us, then we shouldbelieve in ourselves as well.

Shelley M. Kane, Mt. [email protected]; www.kanecomputers.com

Graphic DesignI’m a 15-year-old graphic designer. My brother got me inter-

ested in his computer-drawing program when I was ten, and Iprogressed to Corel Draw 8 very quickly. By the time I was 12,I was helping my mother make marketing and promotion mate-rials for her job.

I got a business license for my graphic-design company whenI was 13, and my first client was a performing-arts school inWilliamsburg. I traded a huge website for free dance, theatre,and voice lessons (see www.evspa.org).

I used my own money to purchase a custom-made computer,computer programs, printer, Graphire tablet, and scanner. Mymom contributed a nice camera and a telephoto lens. I have manyother expenses yearly such as the business license, web hosting,accounting fees, office supplies, film, printer ink, and my cellphone. I pay for all of these things with my own checking account.

I have studied branding, marketing, business development,design, and Internet marketing. I’ve also learned a lot of business

math. Since starting my business, I’ve learned how to present aprofessional image to the adults I work with. I am very knowl-edgeable about my work, but sometimes it’s hard for adults tolook past my age. My clients always end up raving over my workand my prices. I’m building a reputation that businesses can trust.

At first, I was so eager to work with clients that I offeredadvice and assistance and didn’t always get paid for my efforts.I’ve learned the hard way to always sign a contract with clientsbefore I do any work for them. Although minors cannot be heldto a contract, they can be sued for fraud. Contracts help clientsto feel confident of my seriousness. Now I ask for a third of myfee upon the signing of the contract, too.

Blake Bess, Mathews Countywww.contraststudio.com

CalligraphyI was the owner and sole operator of a mobile auto-repair

business in 1996, when I took a year-long class in calligraphy. In1997, Calligraphy by Michael Noyes was born! Initially selling tomy auto-repair customers, I began to sell artwork at local craftshows. Today I travel around the country as a full-time vocation,exhibiting at both art & craft festivals and national church con-ferences. My work is also sold in Christian bookstores.

Working in the home studio, the family helps out with the busi-ness. My wife does all the accounting, and our four children dosome production work. And sometimes a family member willaccompany me to a show and help with sales. Our home businesshas been an excellent instructional tool for our homeschool.


direction. After pursuing other options unsuccessfully, I beganresearching a thought I had toyed with for years—starting a home-based business. I spent several weeks researching the legalities ofstarting a business. I then made a few trips to the county officesand became the official owner of my very own business, ChristianPerspective.

The Lord’s first project for me was a Christmas devotionalcalled Jesus—The Promised One, designed to encourage families tolook to the Lord in one of the busiest times of the year. To sell thedevotional, I developed a website.

I also began sending out free monthly e-mails of encourage-ment, and I have now almost completed my second project—a handbook for parents on how to teach math biblically.

The Lord has used each challenge of operating ChristianPerspective to teach me and remind me to trust Him. The chal-lenges have forced me to learn or develop many skills, such asaccounting, html programming, and publishing.

For anyone considering a home-based business, remember tolet God use every aspect of the business to teach you. You will besurprised by how much you will learn!

Katherine Loop, [email protected]; www.christianperspective.net703-352-0681

Homeschool and Family ResourcesWhen we began our family 12 years ago, we did what most parents

do, and sought out resources that would help us be better parents. Itbecame clear to us that the best resources were those put out by indi-viduals or small businesses. With these same resources, we later beganone of our dreams by opening Home & Heritage Family Bookstore in2004. Right now it is strictly online, but one day we hope to becomea physical location, and even begin publishing some great books!

We want to be a blessing to today’s families by offering many ofthe books, tapes, and videos that have molded our family through-out the years. So, please stop by our website and find resources thatwill encourage you and your family as much as they have ours.

Jarrett and Andrea Kelly, Crewewww.homeandheritagebooks.com; 434-645-9790

We firmly believe in schooling our children at home because itallows us to incorporate religion into our curriculum. But, as anyhomeschool parent can attest, it is an expensive decision.

After a lot of research and prayer, we decided to open an onlinestore, Carroll’s Classical Learning Shop. We provide many learningresources, teaching aids, and other products that are helpful to thehomeschooling family. Our goal is to offer discounted productsthat will help supplement curriculum and help make school fun.Our product is something we know—our children have tried justabout everything we carry on our website.

Our advice to anyone considering a home-based business is to findout what you like, and then find out if you can make money doing it.If you are working at something you love, then it will not feel likework, and you will probably be much more successful.

Research your ideas. Start-up costs and supply/demand mayaffect your decision. And pray. God will steer you in the directionyou need to go.

My calligraphy—contemporaryrenderings of Bible verses, prayers,and spiritual sayings—is intendedto convey the love of God to allwho view it. In this sense our busi-ness is a ministry. Our prayer isthat you, too, might, through thisart, enjoy a sense of that divinepresence and blessing.

Michael Noyes, Colonial [email protected]; www.michaelnoyes.com Office & Fax: 804-530-3904

Note CardsI am a freshman at the Catholic University of America, major-

ing in psychology and art. I began my note-card business threeyears ago to raise money to work with the poor in Appalachia dur-ing the summers. My note cards are hand-drawn, then printedand copied on the computer onto high-quality paper. All of mywork is done using graphite or watercolor pencils.

I have a catalog of Christmas and note cards, and I also acceptcommissions for invitations and wedding, birth, christening, com-munion and graduation announcements, as well as pet and houseportraits drawn from photographs. For further information, aprice list, or to see examples of my work, please contact me.

Renata See, [email protected]

Coloring BooksMy name is Noël Rascher, founder of Noël’s Novelties. My busi-

ness markets coloring books featuring my hand-drawn brides. Ihave always loved to draw, which made coloring books a naturalbusiness for me to develop.

In order to sell my books, I attend bridal shows and market thebooks as gifts for flower girls or young wedding guests. I have alsocreated flyers that I place on community bulletin boards, and Ihave designed my own recently hosted website.

One piece of advice I would offerfuture business owners is to considerhaving business cards. They are easyand inexpensive to make on yourhome computer! I keep my cards onhand to pass out at a moment’snotice. This helps people remembermy product, and is an excellent refer-ence when they decide to order.

Noël Rascher, [email protected];www.noelsnovelties.com571-214-3282

Devotionals for HomeschoolersAfter graduating from homeschool, I faced a challenge—

what to do. I wanted to encourage other homeschoolers, andremain at home to learn, grow, and serve under my parents’


school families. Although it may take more time and effort thanyou initially thought, it can be both a tremendously valuablelearning experience and a blessing to all.

Randall Caldwell and Family, [email protected]; www.vision-harvest.com703-754-0696

Usborne BooksAfter homeschooling

our first year, my familywas really starting toexperience the financialburden that decision can bring. I was invited to an Usborne BooksHome Show and immediately knew that this was a sign from above.Not only were these award-winning books the solution for mystruggling students, but Usborne was the answer to my strugglingincome as well.

Getting started as an Usborne Books Independent EducationalConsultant was a breeze. I have an upline supervisor who is alwaysaccessible, and a message board full of other consultants willing tooffer their advice. In four months, I had earned a nice income andmost of the books my third- and fifth-graders would be using for theschool year for FREE.

Usborne has so many other avenues that most direct-salecompanies don’t offer (home shows, booths, book fairs, aReading Incentive Program, and more). As a consultant you can get many award-winning books for FREE, and many at huge discounts.

Please feel free to visit my website to learn more about thecompany, the wonderful books, and the income opportunities.

Charmin Parks, Washington, D.C.www.ubah.com/M1360202-213-6497 (Mon. to Fri. after 5:00 PM; weekends, anytime)

Also selling Usborne Books is Sherry DuShaw, from Forest. You can reach her at [email protected];www.ubah.com/X0673 or 434-534-8205.

Creative MemoriesI “fell into” Creative Memories through my family’s need for

photo and memory preservation. As my friends found out what Iwas doing, a thriving home business replaced my daycare income ina few months—and in a quarter of the hours! I work my businesspart-time in flexible afternoons and evenings.

As my family saw the tremendous potential of this opportunity,they backed me 100 percent—my son hauled boxes and set up acomputer-database and customer-service system, and my daughterhandled inventory, customers, and sales when I was away. The chil-dren set up for my workshops, process brochures and paperwork,and appreciate the blessing of being able to all be at home togetherwhile making a healthy income for our family.

We have built a thriving business that allowed us to maintain ourhousehold, replace the furnace, save toward family vacations, andultimately enjoy many opportunities for travel and fun. My husbandand I get luxurious vacation trips alone, and incentive gifts for thewhole family—including audio/TV/DVD and sports equipment.

We are offering a 20-percent discount to anyone showing proofof homeschooling. We offer free shipping on any order over $100.Please contact us for more information.

Don and Melissa Carroll, Chesterfield [email protected]; 804-748-6403

We saw a need for a tool that would help us with homeschoollesson planning and scheduling. We built a simple spreadsheetprogram to help us do this, but soon realized its shortcomings.

We then tried several commercial software programs, butnone of these met our needs either. So, after seeking the Lord’sdirection, we began development of our own program usingC++. We decided to call it Homeschool P.R.O. (for Planning,Recording, and Organizing).

While developing the program, we also reviewed other prod-ucts and built our website. We selected Vision Harvest as thename for our new business, organized as a corporation, obtainedall the necessary permits, opened a business banking account,and placed ads in several homeschooling magazines. Just sixmonths after launching our website, we are getting ready torelease version 1.2 of the program, which has already receivedvery good reviews in homeschooling magazines.

Our children have been very much involved with variousaspects of the business from the beginning. It has been a won-derful, hands-on homeschool learning experience for us all, andwe recently published our first book, The Religious Tradesman. We very much recommend a home business to other home-


Penny Kay Lamons, FairfaxCreative Memories Senior Unit [email protected]; www.CreativeMemories.com/PennyLamons

Also selling Creative Memories is Lara Riley, Ft. Lee,Petersburg. You can reach her at [email protected]; www.creativememories.com/lriley; or 804-862-1053

Equestrian Business My daughter has started her own equestrian business. She

boards horses and gives riding lessons at our leased nine-stall barnwith large riding ring. It began with her interest in horses and rid-ing at the age of ten. I initially hoped the interest would wane—too much time, too expensive! But she persisted, and earned herown way. At 12 she was paying for, and earning, free ride time byworking. Our homeschool schedule allowed us to take day classesand work at times no one else was available.

Shannon read prolifically on horses, horse care, training, and

riding techniques. We decided to do “Business 101 Live.”Finding appropriate school horses, insurance, suppliers, andadvertising, have been only a few of the many decisions andresponsibilities. Getting up seven days a week and going out tofeed and care for animals, some of which belong to other peo-ple, is intense. The life skills learned are priceless. It will be awhile before we can say the business is profitable; we can never-theless already state it is a success.

We consider the initial cost equivalent to a first semester atcollege; with good potential for full recovery! The most difficultpart for me was overcoming the “you-have-to-go-to-college”mentality that I didn’t realize I had. Trusting Shannon’s skill issomething I learned gradually; her knowledge long ago exceed-ed mine on the subject! Profit is not the only motivation here;she is gaining very saleable skills and continuing to homeschoolherself in business.

Bernadine Venezia, Leesburg Little Venice Stables21036 Gulick Mill Road, Leesburg, VA 20175 703-785-9571

Grooming Services I learned to groom pets before my kids came along, and have

been grooming for more than 20 years. I am a certified mastergroomer, grooming contest judge, grooming school teacher,speaker, and certifier, and have been featured in newspapers andon television.


with a lawyer or accountant so that you can take advantage ofall the benefits available to small-business owners. Lastly, makesure you pick something you will enjoy.

In the meantime, come visit us! We would be thrilled tohave visitors—just call first to set up a time.

Daren and Chris Wingard, [email protected]; 757-482-7183

TupperwareLike many other stay-at-home moms in decades past, I sell

Tupperware. I started doing it just as a way to get things cheap-er for myself, but have found that the money earned from sellinghelps to purchase some of those needed “extras” (like groceries!).Most of the time I get to work from home, and many times myfriends have “playgroup parties.” The kids play, I tell aboutTupperware, the other moms get some social time, and we allhave lunch.

I sell Tupperware because it is an established product with a life-time warranty, my hostesses get free product, and I earn money.

If anyone is interested in having a party in your home or online,or if you’re interested in shopping online, please contact me!

Jennifer Minson, Manassas [email protected]; 703-819-8289www.my.tupperware.com/mugsysgirl

Also selling Tupperware is Sara Jane Strylowski, Manassas. Youcan reach her at [email protected] or 703-392-1386.

Nutrition and Wellness BusinessI have run my own Shaklee business since 1994, when a

friend encouraged me to try Shaklee’s vitamins and proteindrinks. I had a two-year old and was expecting my secondchild, and I needed something to help me through labor,delivery and then caring for two little ones. Plus I had diges-tive problems, muscle pain, continual sinus infections, andseasonal and food allergies.

After taking Shaklee for a few months, my health began toimprove, and I had lots of energy. I told my friends, and theyhad the same results. I wondered if I could earn a part-timeincome this way, so I asked my friend how to begin.

I’ve found Shaklee products easy to share. My weekly goalsvary depending on what season of life or what time of year it is,but if I spend a few hours a week working the business, itgrows. I’m always ready to share this gift of health.

There are many benefits in running a Shaklee business: workwhen you want, no inventory, no quotas, no territories, cus-tomer online ordering, personal discounts, tax deductions, andinformation about improving the health of my own family.

I’ve found Shaklee’s products to be of the highest qualityand economical. They are all-natural and chemical-free, andcome with a 100-percent money-back guarantee! If this soundslike something you could get excited about, let’s talk. I haveloved it and bet you will, too.

Marie Cress, [email protected]; www.shaklee.net703-802-6860

I specialize in show dogs, coloring and creative styling, geri-atric, and rehabilitation work with special-needs animals. I lovegiving dogs shampoo massages as well as brush massages.Sculpting their coats into works of art appeals to my creativeinclinations. Some of my clients have been Millie and RangerBush, as well as Redskins pets.

To get into this business, I apprenticed at two differentgrooming salons. I became certified through Professional PetGroomers Certification, International Pet Groomers Association,and National Dog Groomers Association of America. It took metwo years of full-time work before I felt my skills were ready forthe competition level. And for the first 15 years while buildingmy two salons, ten- to twelve-hour days were the norm.

I now set my own hours and work around my homeschool-ing needs. I have a 22-foot RV, which has a back room outfittedas a grooming salon. My sons can go with me to my groomingclients and play or do their schoolwork in the front room of theRV, while I work in the back.

To do this kind of work, you need training, determination,experience, patience, as well as a certain amount of natural ability.One must be prepared to deal with all the “earthy” components ofanimals—you might be bitten,scratched, spit up on or messedon; and you’ll have to clean upbloody broken nails and “owies!”But if grooming appeals to you, Ido have a groomer-training pro-gram for homeschoolers ages 16and up who live in the NorthernVirginia area.

Kathe Barsotti, CMG, HerndonCustom Creatures Master Grooming Mobile Services703-727-1578

AlpacasWe are a first-year homeschooling family, and we are also in

our first year of running a home business, Cornerstone FarmAlpacas. We raise and breed alpacas for their fiber (wool), and wealso sell their offspring.

Alpaca fiber is stronger, softer, and warmer than sheep’s wool,and contains no lanolin. It is used in high-fashion apparel rightnow, but the goal of alpaca breeders in North America is to breakinto the commercial industry so that alpaca fiber is used in morecommon items. Our goal is to breed alpacas with excellent con-formation, wonderful temperaments, and exquisite fiber. We alsowant our farm to provide a little escape for our visitors, where theycan take a breath of fresh air and enjoy these incredible animals.

We originally were interested in alpacas as companion animalsafter seeing one at a local festival, but as we did more research,we realized that they are gentle, easy to care for, and can be agood tax shelter. We also liked the thought of being part of anindustry that has the potential of changing the textile world.Mostly we liked the idea of a family-oriented business where weall can be involved—in the care of the animals, in attendingshows, and in managing the business.

Our biggest tip before you start your own business isresearch, research, research! It is also extremely helpful to speak


Natural Soaps and Beauty ProductsI am a 13-year-old homeschooler. In 2004 I created Cosmic Rae,

a business that makes and sells natural soaps and beauty products. Product lists include our best-selling white moisturizing heart

soaps, and the favorite—eucalyptus-leaf soap bars. Both thesesoaps are made with all-natural moisturizing glycerin. We cur-rently have over 20 different soap models, ten different colors,and countless options for scents.

This spring we designed a new product line of bath salts andlip balm. Bath salts come in two sizes and four colors. We offerwonderful gift-wrapping and seasonal packages, and ship ordersanywhere in the U.S.

I’ve been interested in business my whole life and I’ve alsoloved craft projects. My mother got me interested in soap-mak-ing, and Cosmic Rae sprang into action when my parents bought250 packages of soap from me for holiday gifts.

I’m very pleased with how far Cosmic Rae has come. Myadvice to any teen or family who is thinking about a home busi-ness is to do something that you enjoy.

Rachel Osborne Schwartz, Washington, D.C. [email protected]

Gift BasketsArts and crafts have always been a favorite activity of mine. As

a homeschooled senior, one day I put together some personalbeauty items in a basket, decorated it, and sealed it with a bow.My neighbor saw it, offered to buy it as a birthday gift for a friend,and my entrepreneurial journey had begun.

I thought a home-based business would be a fun venture anda good learning experience for me. For that first year I mostly soldbaskets to friends and family. Upon enrolling in the local com-munity college and majoring in business management, I decidedto expand and offer my product to the general public. The nameof my business is Baskets by Caryn.

Although gift baskets are not a new idea, my decorative bas-kets are unique in that they are designed for the recipient and theycome with more than 15 items, plus a surprise gift, for only $25!Specialty baskets for weddings, new babies, anniversaries or anyholiday, cost between $28 and $35.

I will continue working from home while I am in school. As theword gets around and the business increases, I plan to rent a kioskat our local Army PX shopping center, and to create a website.

I think it’s important to have a business doing something youlove. Baskets by Caryn offers a product that is attractive to the cus-tomer in both price and presentation. I cannot imagine any otherbusiness I would enjoy more.

Caryn M. Graves, Newport [email protected]

Vending MachinesLast summer, while pondering the direction my children should

go (Proverbs. 22:6a), I checked out the audio book on finances,Rich Dad, Poor Dad, from the library, and realized here was clearlysomething we could use.

Our goal became one of giving our kids a head start inlearning about finances. We began to brainstorm different jobsthat the kids could get started in, and happened on a deal forvending machines in the Trading Post—two afternoons a weekfilling vending machines.

We bought Quicken for Business accounting software, andthe kids went with Dad to purchase a business license. We vis-ited businesses and inquired about placing our machines.

Next we agreed upon a $5-a-week salary for each of the chil-dren until the machines were paid for. Then came the funpart—purchasing the snacks and drinks, and filling themachines. We are still fine-tuning—learning to be more effi-cient with our time; learning what snacks our customers prefer;and learning that it takes time to pay back a loan.

Our business goals are to relocate machines that aren’tbringing in a profit, to pay off our loan in a year, and to useprofits to purchase more assets that will make money for thekids. The children would like to be financially independent bycollege graduation. I am satisfied that this new experience is lay-ing the groundwork upon which my children as adults candecide “the way [they] should go.”

Brianna Edmonds (11) and Ezra Edmonds (9), DinwiddieCounty Assisted by their parents G.C. and Alicia EdmondsEdmonds Solutions804-469-3465


A Life of IntegrityDr. Joel Orr

Homeschooling and home-basedbusinesses are an excellent combi-nation. Besides the obvious bene-

fits of working together as a family, youhave the opportunity to model for yourchildren the integrity and continuity of life,in all of its many activities. You are whoyou are, whether dealing with clients orcustomers—or with your children. And ifyou’re not, your little “cloud of witnesses”will be quick to point it out!

Like many people my age (58), I wasraised by parents who worked outside thehome. Although they owned their ownprint shop at different times, work—whether for themselves or others—wasalways separate from home. My brotherand I knew little about their businesses,and even less about jobs they had.

So in many ways, I was not well-equipped to deal with the home-based con-sulting practice that my wife and I woundup founding. I had to learn many lessons“the hard way.”

However, my children—most of them

now homeschooling parents—were activeparticipants in our business, with all of itsups and downs. That may be part of thereason that five of the six are now self-employed.

I’ve often been asked (always by men),“How do you maintain consistency in yourspiritual life at work and at home?” Workingfrom home makes it almost impossible todo otherwise. Yet I often travel a great deal,spending time with clients in other statesand other countries. So I have had to facethat challenge—the temptation to accom-modate ungodliness, or to lower one’s stan-dards, when far from home.

Having a wholesome and Godly homelife makes it much easier than it would beotherwise. I don’t have to think aboutwhether I ought to take part in dirty-jokesessions over dinner in a fancy restaurant; Ichange the subject, or excuse myself.

If a questionable business practice isput on the table for consideration, it’seasy for me to point out that it’s alwaysbetter to do the right thing.

What makes it easier? Havinghelped my children face issues of char-acter and morality and spirituality. Justas they learned these things at our fam-ily dinner table, I learned how to teachthem by example rather than by preach-ing at them; how to respect their moralpersonhood by requiring them to dothe right thing; and how to forgivethem and love them through their laps-es—and repent and receive their for-giveness through my own.

Most homeschool moms do this any-way, but when a dad quits his outside-the-home job and starts a home-based business,he is often not prepared for the intensity ofthe enforced family intimacy that is part ofthe deal. It is a “growth experience.”

But biblically and historically, it is theway most of mankind always lived. It’sonly relatively recently, in the IndustrialAge, that people started “going off towork” in factories and offices.

Today, technology has made it possi-ble to once again operate home-basedbusinesses. The Internet has opened newworlds of commerce to anyone who canaccess a phone or cable line.

What’s more, since you don’t need a

building, a staff, permits, a parking lot,and so many other “brick-and-mortar”accoutrements to open a store on eBayor Yahoo!, you don’t need a lot of capital to get started.

Your on-line purple petunia store didn’t pan out? Close it and open an ocarina emporium. With drop-shipping,affiliate programs, and pay-as-you-gomerchant accounts, the cost of experi-menting is next to nothing.

The Industrial Age has been largelysupplanted by the Information Age,which is now blending into the Age ofKnowledge. Non-tangible intellectualproperty—expertise—can now be inex-pensively packaged and marketed, innewsletters, reports, blogs, and print-on-demand books.

And the same Internet that is your“farmer’s market” can also be youruniversity research lab, for staying on top of your area of expertise, and forfinding and developing new ones.

How liberating for children to growup in a home where mom and dad showthem how easy it is to move from aninspiration to a money-making business!And how edifying for them to learn theprinciples of customer acquisition andretention, money management, andgrowth, as part of homeschool!

But the most important lesson youare teaching your children as you engagein a home-based business is integrity—being all of a piece. You are demonstrat-ing to them that the values to which youhold them at home are the ones to whichyou hold yourself when dealing with theworld. You are showing them that aGod-centered life is a life of power andfulfillment. You are exemplifying love inall your conduct, in how you treat oth-ers. They are learning that prayer is a firstresort, not a last resort, when facingquestions and challenges.

I thank God for America, where wecan still homeschool and have home-basedbusinesses. We must not take these privileges for granted. �

Dr. Joel Orr has spent most of his adult life working from home. Contact him [email protected] or visit www.joelorr.com.


from a Christian perspective, it is concep-tually family-friendly and is well-written. Ifound it at Borders for $14.95.

Another “how-to-get-started” bookis Home-Based Business for Dummies.This resource follows the general formatof the “Dummies” series. It covers topicssuch as making the Web work for you,marketing, transitioning from a job to ahome business, health insurance, retire-ment planning, and their famous “top-ten lists” that cover ten things to avoid,ten tips to succeed, ten myths aboutworking from home, and ten things to doif times get tough.

Business Classes and LegalResources

The U.S. Small Business Administration,www.sba.gov, is an invaluable resource.They provide highly recommended—notto mention inexpensive—classes on startinga business. The classes will teach you howto write a business plan, what legal issuesyou may encounter, how to retain a lawyer(which they consider essential), how toestablish fees, and much more.

How-to BooksAn excellent resource that lays out the

basics of how to start a business is TheEverything Home-Based Business Book, subti-tled Everything You Need to Start and Runa Successful Home-Based Business. Written byJack Savage, it covers the qualities of a suc-cessful home businessperson, good reasonsto start a home business, bad reasons to starta home business, zoning issues, variances,dedicated business space, storage, parking,utilities (including phone lines), and taxes.Mr. Savage describes how to create a busi-ness plan, what technology you need, legalissues and contracts, daily operations, book-keeping, and promotion and sales.

It also delves into familial issues thatare particularly pertinent for home-schooling families. These include deter-mining your financial needs, consideringyour children as assets, respect for timeand space, telephone wars, and handlingfriends and neighbors.

Lastly, Mr. Savage covers personal issuessuch as staying motivated, feelingswamped, setting goals, and overcomingisolation. While this book is not written

ResourcesNancy Coleman

Each state has at least one SBA districtoffice, with multiple resource partners tosupport the needs of the small business com-munity. Business owners who have attendedtheir workshops have a high rate of success.For information on Virginia’s office, go towww.sba.gov/va. A link to their training-class calendar is on the homepage.

While this resource does not neces-sarily fall under the heading of homebusiness, many resources recommend acritical analysis of your financial needprior to establishing a business. Todetermine your fiscal health and to pre-pare a budget on which you can thrive,consider utilizing one of Crown Ministry’sbudgeting tools found at www.crown.org/cart/budgeting.asp or The PocketIdiot’s Guide to Living on a Budget($9.95).

Disclaimer: While searching for online informa-tion for this article, I encountered an amazingarray of scams and misleading websites. Some ofthe links were even listed as resources in helpfulbooks. The resources listed above were thoroughlyresearched before recommending them, but Iwould strongly urge caution when searching forhome business opportunities online.


Coming to Virginia

Caledon Natural Area StatePark, 11617 Caledon Rd, King George,Virginia, is sponsoring a HomeschoolEvent Day on Friday, September 9, from9:00 am to 5:00 pm. They will have eagletours and programs provided by about 30different organizations—environmental,historical, local farms, state and federalagencies, storytellers, and many others.The cost of the event is $6 per person,with children under the age of six beingfree. You must sign up for times to takepart in the eagle tours; all other programswill be on the lawn of the visitors’ center. For information, contact KimBoshela on Wednesdays throughSundays at the park at 540-663-3861 [email protected].

Belvedere Plantation, Fredericksburg.We invite you to join us on October 6 forour fall fun harvest celebration. We offerthree different tours.

Fall Harvest Tour (preschool through second grade)Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch andpick a pumpkin to take home. Participatein a pumpkin plant talk and learn aboutpumpkins. Sample Belvedere honey andlearn about bees, visit the animals in thebarnyard, and checkout the barn withrope swings and lots of hay!

The Pumpkin Science Lab(third through fifth grade)Take a hayride to pick your pumpkins andthen participate in a lab to determine sci-entific facts about pumpkins includingdensity, circumference, and buoyancy.Sample Belvedere honey and learn aboutbees and their uses. Enjoy the 80-footpumpkin mountain slide and, if time permits, walk down to the old barnyard tofeed and pet the animals.

Maize Maze Adventure (third grade through high school)Participate in a hands-on exercise on thehistory and uses of corn and the history ofmazes and labyrinths. Then try to com-plete the maze in assigned groups. Aftercompleting the maze, enjoy the pumpkinmountain slide. Teachers receive a follow-up booklet with mazes and worksheets.

For reservations please call 540-373-4478. For questions contact belvedere

[email protected]. For all tours, we ask thatyou bring your lunch and have a truecountry picnic. Concessions are alsoavailable.

For all tours, we ask that you bring yourlunch and have a true country picnic.Concessions are also available.

Homeschool Success Seminars“How to Begin Homeschooling: WhatYou Really Need to Know” Are you thinking about homeschooling?Do you have questions about gettingstarted? Or have you already begun, butneed help? Would you like to know more about record keeping, scheduling,choosing the right materials, testing, orsupport options?

This informative seminar includes:• How to prepare• The ins and outs of the Virginia law• Testing and evaluation options• How to choose curriculum• How to teach several levels at once• How to get the support you need• Where to find the best resources• Some things to avoid, and• Some secrets of success

Be sure to come early or stay after-wards to peruse our resources. Whileyou’re at our Homeschool ResourceCenter, you may also schedule a freecurriculum counseling session with an experienced homeschool teacher/counselor for answers to your specificquestions.

Dates: August 30, September 15, and October 13, 2005

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Place: HEAV Office and Resource Center

2248-G Dabney Road, Richmond, VA 23230

Registration is available at the door,but pre-registration will guarantee a seatand allow us to notify you of any sched-ule changes or space limitations. To pre-register or for more information, contactthe HEAV Office (804-278-9200 [email protected]). We accept Visa orMasterCard. �


Guitar Lessons with: Michael BaileyLoudon County’s most requested guitar teacher is coming to Winchester!

Berklee College of Music Graduate 15 years of teaching experiencePlaying Experience with nationally known ArtistsTeaching all levels from beginner to advancedInstruction in Chords, Scales, Theory and Technique

Jr. & Sr. High Classes at Centreville Homeschool Enrichment Support Services -C.H.E.S.S. offers affordable small classes taught by teachers with a passion for

homeschooling. Sept.- May. Subjects include lab sciences, Spanish, math, history,health, writing, logic, art, SAT prep, and more. Contact Tara Taylor,

[email protected], or phone M-F 12-6 p.m. (703) 753-1901.

Call for Lesson times and Availability

540-877-1001

‘Like New’ Musical Instruments1. (Student) Piccolo

2. 1/4 Size Violin with Case + Bow3. 1/2 size violin with Case + Bow

4. Flute with Case (Newly Reconditioned)

E-mail: [email protected]

Sue Morgan Tutoring Home School Tutor Instruction

VA St. Board of Education License: Early Ed-Gr. 4, Middle Ed. 5-8, Secondary-history

25+ yrs. Classroom experience: remedial reading, writing & math

Phone (804) 232-1054 or e-mail [email protected]

Need credit card processing service?

Homeschool family can help you. Lowest rates available from the 2nd largest credit card processor. Great prices on equipment.Convention vendors: wireless, cordless equipment available.

For reference contact HEAV.Call Phil Owen 276-859-0748 or e-mail [email protected].

Love candles & decorating?We are expanding in the area Join our direct-selling company

No cash investment Unlimited earnings

CALL: SAMANTHA at (804) 452-0231

Want to advertise in this spot? HEAV members receive a free ad!

Train up a child in the way he should go…

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 297

Richmond,VA 23230

2248 G Dabney RoadP.O. Box 6745 • Richmond, VA 23230

HEAV–Yoursource for

homeschoolhelp!

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