Friday's Five: Geri

Welcome to Friday's Five, my weekly feature in which I ask a fabulous blogger five questions.

I'm visiting today with Geri from saddlepotatoes. If my photos of snow and moose send you running far, far away from Alaska, then Geri's pictures of dogs and horses and the beautiful lake near her home will lure you back. She writes with warmth and gentle humor about raising miniature horses, showing her purebred Corgi, homeschooling her children, and leading an altogether interesting life in one of the most scenic spots on earth.

1. What are your children's ages, and do they have any favorite music CDs at the moment?

Lex is 22, Chena is 11, and Penelope is 10. Lex loves Rascal Flatts (ha ha, finally brought him over to the country side!), Chena loves Toby Mac, and Penelope likes Steven Curtis Chapman. The girls like a little bit of everything, like me.

2. Tell us a little about what your kids have learned by raising animals.

Well, I'd say they have learned to be unselfish . . . because there are many times when our ten pets need care, and it's not convenient . . . but they need us. And they come first. I always tell the girls that the animals are counting on us, and they trust us to care for them, and we will not let them down. The girls have learned responsibility, and they have also learned a LOT about vet care, nutrition for the horses, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc. Right now the girls have started teaching our Corgi how to run agility, and they do weekly classes which they really get enthused about.

3. Occasionally, I'll find myself in a discussion about elementary education with someone who insists that homeschooled children are missing out on the "socialization" that a traditional school setting provides. What's your opinion?

Well, that is somewhat a myth. (I used to teach school, and homeschooling was generally frowned upon because it takes federal dollars out of the school.) It's a rare homeschool home that is "isolated" at all. All of the homeschool homes I know are very involved in the community, field trips, etc. And to be honest, some of that "socialization" they are missing I am more than happy to miss out on! Instead of trying to "fit in" to a classroom situation, I am keeping the girls deeply rooted in their own family, so their sense of self comes from the people who love them most .  . . and that gives them the confidence to take on the rest of their world. It's definitely working in our home, but I cannot speak for every situation.

4. What one piece of advice would you give to someone who's thinking about starting a blog?

I would say don't start one unless you plan to keep it updated fairly regularly . . . because I love to visit a blog where I know it will be updated, and I can follow the plot more easily! Also, to let your blog be a reflection of who you are, be honest, and have fun with it.

5. What did you have for dinner last night?

We had spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad at a church dinner.

Thank you, Geri! I think it's wonderful that your girls are growing up around animals and are learning so much from having to care for them—what an interesting and special childhood you are providing them. And you make an excellent point about a homeschooled child's sense of self coming from those who love him or her the most. 

See everyone back here next week when we get to know another great blogger!

Friday's Five: Lana (The Kids Did What?!)

Friday's Five: Lisa (Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy)

Friday's Five: Helene (I'm Living Proof that God has a Sense of Humor)