However Imperfectly

Rest is essential to human flourishing. Rest is both a gift and a human right that will not only help us enter into the good blessings God offers us spiritually and relationally but will restore our bodies from the labors of this life and allow us to flourish mind, body, and soul. My nature study support guides are available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠naturestudyhacking.com

Raising children is the best way to find out one’s weaknesses. Perhaps you thought you were a fairly good citizen. You always thought of others when taking turns at the post office and you never took more than your portion of ice cream at the birthday party. But having children seems to expose the lazy and selfish parts of ourselves. That’s why we need the help from others who’ve been there too and can help us navigate through the cultural sludge and learn to see our work as an act of worship. We truly can learn to love the work that must be done. I’m pleased to share with you my interview with my homemaking mentor Mystie Winkler. She recently released her spectacular book, Simplified Organization where she helps us understand that the work we have to do is truly good work and that we can learn to love it. This interview and Mystie’s book wrap up our miniseries here on However Imperfectly about Routines That Bless. You will see that Mystie has also needed to work on her habits to weave peace and blessing into her home and we are confident that you can do the same in yours. Enjoy! Buy Mystie's Book here. Simply Convivial Membership - mentorship for homemakers: Simply Convivial | Stay at Home Mom | Homemaking Support Schole Sisters: read & listen - Scholé Sisters (scholesisters.com) Check out ⁠⁠⁠However Imperfectly on Substack⁠⁠⁠. My nature study support guides are available at ⁠⁠⁠naturestudyhacking.com Two Women Talking by a Gate Camille Corot

In my years of motherhood, I’ve met many friends who are better housekeepers than I am. Some of them just come by it naturally. I come by it with effort and thoughtful deliberation. I’m easily distracted by the dimples on my children’s faces, the lure of a good book and the conversation with a friend. If you are naturally clean and tidy, you may not understand the need for a pep talk to keep your home in order and to do thus on repeat until that last little one grows up gets married and, Lord willing, brings grandchildren into your home to make messes all over again. For the rest of us, we need the reminder that keeping a reasonably clean house is worth the effort and will bear fruit for years to come in the form of memories set on the stage of a home that is peaceful to live in. We would all like to sow peace. Let’s take a look at six practical reasons to do this good work! Check out the transcript on ⁠⁠However Imperfectly on Substack⁠⁠. My nature study support guides are available at ⁠⁠naturestudyhacking.com⁠ Picture: Horse Drawn Cabs at Evening, New York Childe Hassam

One of the gifts of motherhood is to overhear a child humming or singing softly while playing or doing chores only to discover they are singing a hymn we learned in church or during our family devotions. Is there anything more precious than listening to children’s voices singing praises to God? To hear a child sing as loud as possible: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty, all thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea” is to enter into the eternal throne room where we will all be lifting up our voices in worship. It’s a gift and duty to teach our children about their creator… Check out the transcript on ⁠However Imperfectly on Substack⁠. My nature study support guides are available at ⁠naturestudyhacking.com Picture: The Thankful Poor by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Today I have a treat for you. We are going to step back in time to 1905. At this time, Ms. Mason was sending out her Mother’s Education Course correspondences and farmers were leaving the countryside to find work in the cities of America. This was a time filled with innovation and excitement for new discoveries and technologies were being made to make life more comfortable for more people. But as the Industrial Revolution made its way through the Western World, it affected the way American Women were seeing themselves and their work in the home. In 1905, most women stayed home and raised their children and even if they worked, their children were right there with them. World War I changed that. It took women out of the home and they haven’t returned since. But, just before this, President Teddy Roosevelt saw the importance of the work of mothers and what it means for a healthy and thriving society. He understood that a mother’s work is irreplaceable. And the American home, he shows, is a true growing ground for the nation. My husband, Kevin, kindly offered to read Teddy Roosevelt's speech, titled “On American Motherhood”, as he presented it in Washington, D.C. to the National Congress of Mothers on March 13, 1905. You will find that Teddy is speaking to mothers of all times and all places to be encouraged to continue in the good work we’ve been called to do. Enjoy! Picture: Maternal Caress, Mary Cassatt 1896 Read the transcript on ⁠However Imperfectly on Substack⁠ My nature study support guides are available at ⁠naturestudyhacking.com

“Wash on Monday. Iron on Tuesday. Mend on Wednesday. Churn on Thursday. Clean on Friday. Bake on Saturday. Rest on Sunday.” -Little House in the Big Woods. Welcome to, However Imperfectly where homeschooling and homemaking intersect. This podcast is for the homeschool mom who desires to educate her children with a rich Charlotte Mason education, and also has meals to put on the table and laundry sort each day. I am your host, Joy Cherrick. I hope you find encouragement as we explore the ideas of Charlotte Mason in the context of our modern homes. Mason provides the playbook for living and learning with our children that not only gives us an education unlike the one we received, but a full life together. We don’t have time for the latest educational fad. We need time-tested tools to help us raise and educate our children in truth, beauty, and goodness. I'm sure you will come to find, as I have, “that the education we are giving, however imperfectly, exceeds all that we intended or imagined.”) Check out the transcript on However Imperfectly on Substack. My nature study support guides are available at naturestudyhacking.com

Children need to eat at regular intervals. They seem to grow grumpy when not fed on time or in a regular rhythm. As a young mother, I knew this to be true, however, I found myself always surprised by how quickly the meals came. For each meal, I’d scramble together what we had. I was not a “planner” nor was I sure how to manage the home in a way that would make this part of the day seamless. Once I had three small children with one on the way, I knew it was time to apply my creative energy toward feeding my family well. Instead of being surprised, I developed a plan. Instead of being frazzled, I cultivated peace. You can too. *** Welcome to, However Imperfectly where homeschooling and homemaking intersect. This podcast is for the homeschool mom who desires to educate her children with a rich Charlotte Mason education, and also has meals to put on the table and laundry sort each day. I am your host, Joy Cherrick. I hope you find encouragement as we explore the ideas of Charlotte Mason in the context of our modern homes. Mason provides the playbook for living and learning with our children that not only gives us an education unlike the one we received, but a full life together. We don’t have time for the latest educational fad. We need time-tested tools to help us raise and educate our children in truth, beauty, and goodness. I'm sure you will come to find, as I have, “that the education we are giving, however imperfectly, exceeds all that we intended or imagined.” Picture: Millet, Feeding the Young or La Becquée Grab my nature study support guides here: Nature Study Hacking – How to Get Outside and Use a Nature Journal Read this episode here: However Imperfectly | Joy Cherrick | Substack

Children need to eat at regular intervals. They seem to grow grumpy when not fed on time or in a regular rhythm. As a young mother, I knew this to be true, however, I found myself always surprised by how quickly the meals came. For each meal, I’d scramble together what we had. I was not a “planner” nor was I sure how to manage the home in a way that would make this part of the day seamless. Once I had three small children with one on the way, I knew it was time to apply my creative energy toward feeding my family well. Instead of being surprised, I developed a plan. Instead of being frazzled, I cultivated peace. You can too. *** Welcome to, However Imperfectly where homeschooling and homemaking intersect. This podcast is for the homeschool mom who desires to educate her children with a rich Charlotte Mason education, and also has meals to put on the table and laundry sort each day. I am your host, Joy Cherrick. I hope you find encouragement as we explore the ideas of Charlotte Mason in the context of our modern homes. Mason provides the playbook for living and learning with our children that not only gives us an education unlike the one we received, but a full life together. We don’t have time for the latest educational fad. We need time-tested tools to help us raise and educate our children in truth, beauty, and goodness. I'm sure you will come to find, as I have, “that the education we are giving, however imperfectly, exceeds all that we intended or imagined.” Picture: Millet, Feeding the Young or La Becquée Grab my nature study support guides here: Nature Study Hacking – How to Get Outside and Use a Nature Journal Read this episode here: However Imperfectly | Joy Cherrick | Substack

What is a Charlotte Mason education?” you ask. This little question inaugurates you into an entire new way of looking at education, homemaking and living well. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. As we explore Charlotte Mason’s ideas about education, you will find that you, my friend, are the heir to a vast kingdom. You want a better education for your children than the one you received. Me too. Mason gives us a map to follow so we can provide our children not only a robust academic education, but a full life. Picture: Winslow Homer - Hark! The Lark (1882)

Welcome to, However Imperfectly where homeschooling and homemaking intersect. This podcast is for the homeschool mom who desires to educate her children with a rich Charlotte Mason education and also has meals to put on the table and laundry to sort each day. I am your host, Joy Cherrick. I hope you find encouragement as we explore the ideas of Charlotte Mason in the context of our modern homes. Mason provides the principles for living and learning with our children that offers education unlike the one we received and a full life together. We don’t have time for the latest educational fad. We need time-tested tools to help us raise and educate our children in truth, beauty, and goodness. I'm sure you will come to find, as I have, “that the education we are giving, however imperfectly, exceeds all that we intended or imagined.”

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Sophie, age 13. Sophie is a part of a podcasting club and chose the topic for today’s episode, researched and wrote it! Welcome to the podcast, Sophie! This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Mammals. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Heide, age 13. Heide is a part of a podcasting club and chose the topic for today’s episode, researched and wrote it! Welcome to the podcast, Heide! This episode is corresponds with ⁠Nature Study Hacking| Insects. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Lydia, age 13. Lydia is a part of a podcasting club and chose the topic for today’s episode, researched and wrote it! Welcome to the podcast, Lydia! If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about the clover, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Cultivated Crops and Weeds. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Corinne, age 15. Corinne is a part of a podcasting club and chose the topic for today’s episode, researched and wrote it! Welcome to the podcast, Corinne! If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about the dandelion, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Cultivated Crops and Weeds. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast, where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Abigail, age 13. Abigail is a part of a podcasting club and chose the topic for today’s episode, researched and wrote it! Welcome to the podcast, Abigail! If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about the cotton, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Cultivated Crops and Weeds. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

Workshop link: https://naturestudyhacking.com/product/how-to-start-a-homeschool-co-op-live-workshop-april-13-2023-at-2pm-est/ Do you feel lonely - surrounded only by your children? It’s easy to feel that way. I’ve felt that way too because as homeschool moms we create our own community. That's why I created the one hour "How to Start a Nature Group LIVE* Workshop" on April 13th at 2pm- so that you can have the tools you need to build community in your area! Workshop link: https://naturestudyhacking.com/product/how-to-start-a-homeschool-co-op-live-workshop-april-13-2023-at-2pm-est/ *(Recording will be available after the workshop!)

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by David, age 9. If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about the squirrel, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This is episode 14. This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Mammals. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Faith, age 5. If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about pumpkins, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This is episode 11. This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Insects.. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com/NaturalistKids to learn more

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about God’s great world. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Hudson, age 7. If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about honebees, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Insects. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.

You are listening to Naturalist Kids Podcast. Where we bring the stories of nature to life to encourage you in your quest to learn more about this great world. This is episode 11. I’m your host, Joy Cherrick and today I’m joined by Elliot, age 11. If you love our podcast and want to see more episodes like this one about the dragonfly, please consider supporting us through our Patreon site.patreon.com/naturalistkids There you will find transcripts, nature study lessons and additional resources to go with each episode! This episode is corresponds with Nature Study Hacking| Insects. Nature Study Hacking teaches families how to get outside and use a nature journal. Head over to naturestudyhacking.com to learn more.