Michelle in MO Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise! You have been a trailblazer in the classical Christian homeschooling movement! The way you homeschooled your children has been an inspiration to literally thousands of us. God bless you with many more years of good health, joy and peace! (From one December birthday to another; what a great time of year to celebrate! :) ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday Mrs. Wise, thank you so much for your wonderful books, and many happy returns! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie in Life Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise! Thank you for your books and Susan, too! They've all helped me in more ways than I could ever express. Many, many blessings to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalphs Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday Jessie! Thank you for blazing the trail in the world of home education! Your words of encouragement/wisdom in your books have certainly blessed me over the past 10 years! Blessings to you on your special day! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RegularMom Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revwife Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy birthday Mrs. Wise! We greatly appreciate your work. God bless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcjlkplus3 Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday Mrs. Wise! Thank you so much for the good work you did in raising and educating your daughter and the inspiration that you have been to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday!! The wrong way around though; I think we've all received the gifts from you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 :party: Happy Birthday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 (edited) Happiest of Birthdays to You!!! I'm the sappy sort, so I'll tell you it brings me to tears to think I will get the honor of telling you how grateful I am to you and Susan for all you've done for homeschooling in general, and my family in particular. Homeschooling wasn't really ever on my radar, until I moved to VA and met a dear friend who was getting ready to homeschool her two boys. She told me to read WTM, saying it laid out a doable, challenging, classically-inspired plan. I got a copy out of curiosity; my youngest had started to read a bit, and, because of Nicole's example and the info in WTM, homeschool seemed less daunting and a real possibility. I read the whole book, felt empowered, and began to see myself as a potential homeschooler. I trepidatiously approached my hubby; he beat me to it, mentioning homeschooling for K before I even got the words out! Then my eldest son, who was working as a page in the VA Senate, asked if he could do high school at home. Because I had read about homeschooling high school in WTM, I was able to say YES without feeling like I was about to jump off a cliff...:D He has Aspie tendencies, and we felt it would help him work around some of that. As homeschooling became part of our identity, my middle son, whom we let stay in public school, began to exhibit more and more mental health and addiction behaviors. Sadly, we had to put him in a residential setting, not once, but 4 times. It was a heartbreaking time for all of us, but, because we were homeschooling the other two kids, we were able to keep them close and work thru their difficult feelings. We were able to "build into" them, and build their faith, too. Homeschooling allowed us the flexibility to do the tough things a family in crisis has to do--attend court, attend therapy (and be able to get therapy more quickly b/c we weren't limited to after school hours), and rebond as a family. I NEVER would have even attempted to homeschool if it hadn't been for WTM. And we were successful, too, using the curriculum recommendations for grammar stage, especially. (I needed a touch more hand-holding for high school, so we mixed in Omnibus and Sonlight) I can't thank you enough, Mrs. Wise, for being such a great advocate and educator. I can't thank you enough for perservering when it was difficult for you to homeschool your own kiddos. We never really know the influence we have--even the little things you did, things that you had no idea would be so important, have been used to mold and shape the next generation of homeschooling families. Thank you, thank you, thank you-- May every day of your future be filled with grace and blessing. Sincerely, Chris Binder Edited December 10, 2010 by Chris in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissKNG Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 :lol: Hope you are having a wonderful birthday!! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 (edited) Happy Birthday! Thank you for making the choices you did in educating your children and sharing your experience with Susan via The Well Trained Mind. Edited December 10, 2010 by secular_mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyco Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! My family is grateful for all your work--truly. (Although there are days my children wish I had never seen Well Trained Mind). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lulubelle Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! Thanks for being so inspiring to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Dear Mrs. Wise, When I read WTM, it was your words that stood out to me. Your experiences somewhat mirrored my mother's, although her homeschooling journey was much briefer than yours. Between the two of you, I felt that I had a paved road where others had had to blaze trails. I'd planned to homeschool my kids from the time my mother had to stop homeschooling me, but over the years, I was plagued by the overwhelming task of teaching *everything.* How would I know if I'd missed something? I'd spend my free time sketching out plans for my own curriculum. Then, when I finally had a child on the way, I found WTM in the library, surrounded by other homeschooling books that said not to worry about college--it's not for everyone, anyway. You introduced me to the classical method, a plan or a process for making sure that I taught my kids everything--well, at least for deciding what to teach & what not to teach instead of feeling like it was all a matter of fate. It has taken a few years to come to the point that I can say this, but thanks to you, it is true--homeschooling is everything I'd ever hoped it would be. From the bottom of my heart, for generations to come, thank you for taking the time & effort to put The Well-Trained Mind into words that I can hold & read. Happy Birthday. Aubrey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy, Happy Birthday!! Thank you to you and your wonderful daughter, for sharing your stories, and giving me the confidence to take the plunge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! I just want you to know that when I first started homeschooling , I thought of you often. I thought of your kids sitting at their desks with the American flag up front. I thought of the fight you fought for your kids. I thought about how you did what you felt was best for your kids even though others did not support that decision. I thought of you following your instincts without many resources. I thought about how you left the box behind, kicking it to the curb. I thought about how you must of put your kids' needs ahead of your needs most of the time. I thought about how it worked out pretty well for your family. I thought about the adults your children grew into. And it helped me realize educating my kids at home is what I wanted to do and that it was possible to do. Happy Birthday Jessie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy birthday!!!! Thank you so much for all the work you do! (I'd say more, but I have a party starting in 15 minutes!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrightmom Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday, happy happy Birthday!! Thanks for all that you've done for home education (including your wonderful daughter). We have been blessed by you! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Dear Mrs. Wise, You are one of my true blue heroines. Thank-you for all that you've done in this world to pave a way for the rest of us who needed a path. My life and the life of my family is richer, broader, deeper and full of more passion because of your life's work. Thank-you. Praying that your birthday ROCKS and that God's vision for your future blows you away. Love in Him, Lisa & family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Dear Mrs. Wise, Your book (WTM) was the first one about homeschooling I EVER read and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. It has been my standby for over 8 years and a faithful companion. My children have also gone through First Language Lessons 1/2 and it part of our "required" curriculum here. I hope you have a lovely, blessed birthday. Thank you for taking all the time over the years to invest in your family and in homeschooling. It is appreciated, Sincerely, Rebecca Borger and family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca VA Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy birthday, Mrs. Wise! I saw you at the Northern Virginia homeschool conference several years ago, but I was too shy to come over and introduce myself. I thought at that time how lovely-looking you were, so slender and ladylike and gracious. Thank you for the wonderful work you did in educating your children and for being a power-behind-the-scenes in TWTM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise! My husband and I saw you speak a couple summers ago in Puyallup, WA. He was so very impressed with you and what you had to say (the "If I Had to Do It Over Again" talk), and he is not one to be easily impressed. :) Thank you for all you do and enjoy your day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! Thank you for all the ideas and curricula. They've helped me give my children a wonderful classical education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwickimom Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 WTM is the MAIN reason I am homeschooling! I would be lost without that awesomely laid out book as a guide. It is what made me confident enough to do this and HS'ing has changed mine and my kids' lives. It truly was the missing piece for us! Thank you and Happy Birthday!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woolspinner Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Thank you for being the "older woman" and teaching us "younger women" how to teach our children! I met you several yrs ago in C'ville and you went out of your way to be a tremendous help and encouragement to me. Oldest child is now in college and still have two more at home. May you have a Blessed and Happy Day!!! Brenda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springmama Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! I would not be homeschooling without you. Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Jo Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!!! You have so influenced how I teach my children...your books have literally changed our home school!!! My youngest dd begs to do school!!! My others think this is the best year ever. THANK YOU!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy in TN Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! Thank you for writing TWTM alongside your daughter and empowering so many of us with the courage to home educate our children! Mandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABQmom Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy, happy birthday! Thank you for all the hard work you put into homeschooling your children and then taking the time to share your experiences in the form of a book. The Well-Trained Mind gave me direction early on in my homschooling journey, and it remains an important foundational book in my home today. I taught three of my children to read with Ordinary Parents' Guide, and am using First Language Lessons with my fourth and youngest child right now. I couldn't be happier with the results of both books! Thank you and have a wonderful day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise!! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ariasmommy Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise! You've definitely been a blessing in our homeschool. We are using OPTGR and my son's reading is coming along so well! Thank you! I also appreciated reading about your homeschooling journey in the Well-Trained Mind. I feel a kind of kinship with your family, even though we've never met, as my mom was also a former schoolteacher who decided to homeschool her children when homeschooling was still relatively unheard of (and frowned upon by some of our family and friends). But I'm so glad she persisted, as I'm sure your children and grandchildren are. :) I hope you have a wonderful day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leola Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday!! I so appeciate your courage to go it alone many years ago and home educate your children. Thank you for paving the way for the many families that are now able to follow that path. I would love to hear you speak one day. Many blessings for a wonderful day. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglei Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 Happy Birthday! May it be a blessed day in all ways! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elizabeth Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 May you have the happiest of birthdays . Thank you so very much for the wonderful advice and guidance over the years through your writings and presentations. Warmest wishes to you from Iowa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day! Sheryl <>< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise. May you enjoy many, many more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iona Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday! Thank you for WTM and OPGTR. When my oldest was not even one I read WTM for the first time and I remember the section on reading and how three times you repeated "reading is easy" and it made me think I could actually do it. I am currently working through OPGTR with my oldest (he is 6 now) and he is reading well. I hope you have a wonderful day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_l_e_0..Q_c Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday Mrs Wise! As many others have stated here, TWTM has allowed us to homeschool with confidence. My son was 7yo when we found the book and, while we were already homeschooling, I had no idea how to do it. We were rudderless. He's now 13 and in high school, and we're still homeschooling. I doubt I would have tackled high school without WTM. Thank you, and Feliz dies tibi sit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday Jessie! :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 I hope you had a great day! Your family, and all of us, are very blessed to have you in our lives! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy birthday, Mrs. Wise! Your courage, determination, and wisdom have helped paved the way for so many of us. Many blessings on your day and the year ahead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Many happy returns of the day, Jessie! Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing your wisdom and experience with us. I have greatly enjoyed hearing you teach at conference, and I refer often to your written works as well. You have a generous spirit. --joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday! Thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do for the homeschooling community. Your effort with Susan produced the first multi-generational book of the modern homeschooling movement, and that pooling of experience really stood out to make a high-quality educational plan do-able. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Have a great birthday! One year ago I had no idea you existed and today I am a former teacher, who turned homeschooler, who can' t be more excited about the ideals you and your amazing daughter laid out in TWTM. Thank you for being an inspiration and guide! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday, Mrs. Wise!! Thank you so much for the Well-Trained Mind and First language Lessons. You have had a direct impact on my children's education and my ability to teach them!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyto4 Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 I hope you have a wonderful day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Birthday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danybug Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Happy Happy Birthday! May your next year be blessed! :party: Thank you for inspiring me on my journey of homeschooling my children! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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