...to our family blog. We are a Catholic homeschooling family having the time of our lives on this ever changing journey of living and learning!! In gratitude to God we wanted to create a place to share with distant family and friends, so that they may have glimpses into those trails that we are blessed with daily.
Many have asked where we came up with the name Knotty Pines Trails? It really came to fruition about five years ago when we began to come up with plans for our future hobby farm. Our family absolutely loves anything outdoors including nature walks, fishing, gardening, hiking or camping. Some of our fondest memories have been exploring new trails here in Georgia where there are tons of forests, woods, protected parks and yes even back yards with a lot of acreage. This is when we came up with a couple good names for our future farm and Knotty Pines Trails was voted as the best name for our family. The name has now filtered into all areas of our lives.
In creating posts about our family we have opted to use alternate names for each of the children. Since our family seems to unanimously enjoy fantasy novels we chose to continue using one of our all time favorite series “The Chronicles of Narnia” for each child's pseudonym. If you look on the side bar starting in chronological order we have listed the names and ages of our students. At this point in time, our two oldest students will be occasionally posting their own thoughts and stories.
Dear visitors as you will come to realize our choice to homeschool has grown over the past decade into a lifestyle of learning that is intertwined with our daily living. This choice completes *our* family and in no way is judgmental against other methods of educating children. We welcome all readers and comments. Our prayer is that we might inspire others along their journeys!
My husband, Dave and I are the proud parents and educators of our six beautiful children. The name of our homeschool is Knotty Pines Academy Homeschool. Initially, our teaching methods were heavily influenced by a wonderful educator called Charlotte Mason, but over the years we have come to know, be inspired and adapt several other educational methods like child-centered rabbit trails (unit studies), some classical ideas from Laura Berquist, Montessori materials can be found sprinkled throughout the elementary years to reinforce skills, and last but certainly not least Waldorf inspired elements that add an amazing beauty and richness to our all lesson blocks.
We aim to create a loving and nurturing environment that will guide our children to their fullest potential as self-confident, creative and caring individuals who embrace learning, think for themselves and positively influence the world around them. We strive to seek "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely and whatever is gracious..." because all beauty and truth originate in God the Creator.
We also strive daily with "... all our hearts, minds, souls and strength to know, love and serve the Lord our God" (Deut. 6:5), His one true Church (Matt. 16:18, Acts 15), in union with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). This total devotion in combination with all our humanity forms who and what we are so please remember our opinions and thoughts are just that – our own and our intent is never to offend anyone.
Retired Knotty Pines Academy Homeschool Blog
