COMMENTS FROM TBH MOMS
More than 100 moms have benefited from The Balanced Homeschooler since its inception. Here are some thoughtful comments from just a sampling of those moms!
2017
"The Balanced Homeschooler Program was essential to our school year! We decided to homeschool in November of 2016. Our mentoring sessions with Carol along with her book gave us the emotional and informational support we needed. Carol is an inspiring mentor and very connected in the homeschooling community. Thank you Carol!" - Raquel R. - Gilbert, AZ
"I finished the TBH mentor program very encouraged. I want a part two! There was so much valuable information and even though we usually went over the two-hour time frame for the weekly class, I still feel like there is so much more I want to dive into! Fortunately, the binder is full of so many amazing resources to reference back to again and again. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to glean from a very seasoned homeschool mother with an amazing testimony. I loved how often Carol shared scripture to support and encourage us as well. Thank you for all of your hard work!" - Wendy W. - Gilbert, AZ 2017
"The Balanced Homeschooler Program was essential to our school year! We decided to homeschool in November of 2016. Our mentoring sessions with Carol along with her book gave us the emotional and informational support we needed. Carol is an inspiring mentor and very connected in the homeschooling community. Thank you Carol!" - Raquel R. - Gilbert, AZ
"I finished the TBH mentor program very encouraged. I want a part two! There was so much valuable information and even though we usually went over the two-hour time frame for the weekly class, I still feel like there is so much more I want to dive into! Fortunately, the binder is full of so many amazing resources to reference back to again and again. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to glean from a very seasoned homeschool mother with an amazing testimony. I loved how often Carol shared scripture to support and encourage us as well. Thank you for all of your hard work!" - Wendy W. - Gilbert, AZ 2017
2016
"Just a note to say how thankful I have been to be going through your class again. Your book and classes have been such a blessing in my life. What a labor of love this book is and a testimony to your dedication and service to your families. When I finally said yes to the Lord to homeschool, I really needed to hit the ground running and I gleaned so much from the class the first time around. Who knew training and teaching our own children was doable and fun? Anyway, thank you thank you thank you. Thank you for being mindful to write down your thoughts and ideas. I am grateful for your organization skills and heart to share homeschooling with other moms. We are a first generation homeschooling family, so it's so nice to find someone with a little further into this who can share what they have done right. Every time I go through the program, it is a new adventure!" - Megan A. - Phoenix, AZ - 2016
"It was a distinct and absolute honor to be a part the Balanced Homeschooler session. I learned so very much. The questions, suggestions, and actual stories the moms and you shared with the group were informative, helpful, and thought provoking. I feel much more prepared to take on this task. I feel less confused and disjointed. I also find being part of the private Facebook group to be very beneficial. Thank you for everything that you have done. You're an excellent facilitator and instructor. Truly, you are beyond reproach!" - Karen S. - Gilbert, AZ - 2016
"As a mom who has been [homeschooling] for so long, I was surprised by how many times I found myself thinking, "Ooh, this is good!" Not that I thought I had all the answers or that my plan was working, but I guess I thought that I had considered it all before and knew what we were supposed to be doing. So it was good to take the time to simply consider it all again! As a *mom of many* I was surprised at all the times I realized that things applied to a particular child that I hadn't connected before! Also, as a recent widow, I knew that I was doing this with our new family dynamic in mind, but it was interesting to note all the areas that I had compromised or abandoned *my way* and it's been good to sort of tune in to the things that are ME again! " - Tracy A. - Wittmann, AZ - 2016
"Thank you so much for The Balanced Homeschooler Program. It has been such a blessing for me in my new journey of homeschooling! It was packed full of so much great information and I know it will make a huge difference to not only my family's homeschooling experience, but to our daily lives in general. It was way beyond my expectations! I especially liked the paper plate activity in scheduling my day....it has brought peace to my never ending list of things to do, and therefore peace to my days. Also the breakdown of the curriculums and stages of homeschooling was especially helpful in my planning for the next school year. Thank you again, I am so grateful for all the work you have put into this program ....it is truly a blessing!" - Jenn H. - Scottsdale, AZ - 2016
"[Chapter seven] totally inspired and comforted me. Leaving a legacy and helping my children understand grief is both powerful and helpful. Thank you for writing this." - Karen D. - Scottsdale, AZ - 2016
"I took the Balance Homeschooler course in the fall of 2016. I’d already been homeschooling for around 5 years, but found a good deal of great information and support in the class. It was nice to have other moms of varying levels of experience in the homeschooling world to bounce ideas off of. The course is very comprehensive and would be super valuable to a family considering homeschooling or brand new to homeschooling as well." - Danna L. - Goodyear, AZ - 2016
"You did a wonderful job interacting with the moms and listening to their needs; sharing suggestions/resources to help them along the way. Thank you so very much for all that you do Carol. You have such a servant's heart to reach out to others to help them along the journey of homeschooling." Michelle K. - Glendale, AZ 2016
"Just a note to say how thankful I have been to be going through your class again. Your book and classes have been such a blessing in my life. What a labor of love this book is and a testimony to your dedication and service to your families. When I finally said yes to the Lord to homeschool, I really needed to hit the ground running and I gleaned so much from the class the first time around. Who knew training and teaching our own children was doable and fun? Anyway, thank you thank you thank you. Thank you for being mindful to write down your thoughts and ideas. I am grateful for your organization skills and heart to share homeschooling with other moms. We are a first generation homeschooling family, so it's so nice to find someone with a little further into this who can share what they have done right. Every time I go through the program, it is a new adventure!" - Megan A. - Phoenix, AZ - 2016
"It was a distinct and absolute honor to be a part the Balanced Homeschooler session. I learned so very much. The questions, suggestions, and actual stories the moms and you shared with the group were informative, helpful, and thought provoking. I feel much more prepared to take on this task. I feel less confused and disjointed. I also find being part of the private Facebook group to be very beneficial. Thank you for everything that you have done. You're an excellent facilitator and instructor. Truly, you are beyond reproach!" - Karen S. - Gilbert, AZ - 2016
"As a mom who has been [homeschooling] for so long, I was surprised by how many times I found myself thinking, "Ooh, this is good!" Not that I thought I had all the answers or that my plan was working, but I guess I thought that I had considered it all before and knew what we were supposed to be doing. So it was good to take the time to simply consider it all again! As a *mom of many* I was surprised at all the times I realized that things applied to a particular child that I hadn't connected before! Also, as a recent widow, I knew that I was doing this with our new family dynamic in mind, but it was interesting to note all the areas that I had compromised or abandoned *my way* and it's been good to sort of tune in to the things that are ME again! " - Tracy A. - Wittmann, AZ - 2016
"Thank you so much for The Balanced Homeschooler Program. It has been such a blessing for me in my new journey of homeschooling! It was packed full of so much great information and I know it will make a huge difference to not only my family's homeschooling experience, but to our daily lives in general. It was way beyond my expectations! I especially liked the paper plate activity in scheduling my day....it has brought peace to my never ending list of things to do, and therefore peace to my days. Also the breakdown of the curriculums and stages of homeschooling was especially helpful in my planning for the next school year. Thank you again, I am so grateful for all the work you have put into this program ....it is truly a blessing!" - Jenn H. - Scottsdale, AZ - 2016
"[Chapter seven] totally inspired and comforted me. Leaving a legacy and helping my children understand grief is both powerful and helpful. Thank you for writing this." - Karen D. - Scottsdale, AZ - 2016
"I took the Balance Homeschooler course in the fall of 2016. I’d already been homeschooling for around 5 years, but found a good deal of great information and support in the class. It was nice to have other moms of varying levels of experience in the homeschooling world to bounce ideas off of. The course is very comprehensive and would be super valuable to a family considering homeschooling or brand new to homeschooling as well." - Danna L. - Goodyear, AZ - 2016
"You did a wonderful job interacting with the moms and listening to their needs; sharing suggestions/resources to help them along the way. Thank you so very much for all that you do Carol. You have such a servant's heart to reach out to others to help them along the journey of homeschooling." Michelle K. - Glendale, AZ 2016
2015
"In homeschooling my two great grandchildren starting just last month, I have felt like a fish out of water. Your program has been helpful for me and I thank you so much!" - Mary J. - New River, AZ - 2015
"Homeschooling has been a gradual decision for us. Being at home allows us to instill beliefs and character in our children, so the Spirtual Discipleship section particularly speaks to my heart." - Tara M. - Phoenix, AZ 2015
"Having four kids under the age of seven can be a challenge, but I am glad I took time to do this program. I particularly liked stepping through the various teaching approaches and gaining the group's perspectives on what they do in their own homes." - Christa D. - Phoenix, AZ - 2015
"In homeschooling my two great grandchildren starting just last month, I have felt like a fish out of water. Your program has been helpful for me and I thank you so much!" - Mary J. - New River, AZ - 2015
"Homeschooling has been a gradual decision for us. Being at home allows us to instill beliefs and character in our children, so the Spirtual Discipleship section particularly speaks to my heart." - Tara M. - Phoenix, AZ 2015
"Having four kids under the age of seven can be a challenge, but I am glad I took time to do this program. I particularly liked stepping through the various teaching approaches and gaining the group's perspectives on what they do in their own homes." - Christa D. - Phoenix, AZ - 2015
2014
"Let me say that your class has been a blessing! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I cannot express how much of a lifesaver your [program] has been for me . . . literally, a lifesaver." - Lynn F. - Phoenix, AZ - 2014
"What a fantastic resource book - organized, thorough, and easy to access! It covers every aspect that involves homeschooling and life. I can easily see myself using it as a reference as I homeschool." - Megan, A. Phoenix, AZ - 2014
"Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom and experiences in homeschooling. You have been and encouragement to me and my family and helped us solidify our decision to homeschool" - Michelle, G. - Phoenix, AZ - 2014
"Let me say that your class has been a blessing! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I cannot express how much of a lifesaver your [program] has been for me . . . literally, a lifesaver." - Lynn F. - Phoenix, AZ - 2014
"What a fantastic resource book - organized, thorough, and easy to access! It covers every aspect that involves homeschooling and life. I can easily see myself using it as a reference as I homeschool." - Megan, A. Phoenix, AZ - 2014
"Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom and experiences in homeschooling. You have been and encouragement to me and my family and helped us solidify our decision to homeschool" - Michelle, G. - Phoenix, AZ - 2014
2013
"I have enjoyed the manual and have found it especially helpful to have to think about a vision for our family with my husband. I also found the section on different homeschool approaches to be helpful. The Nuts and Bolts section [also] had TONS of useful information." - Janine B. - Glendale, AZ - 2013
"The concept of the Family Vision/Mission Statement was particularly helpful for me to get on track right from the start! Acknowledging the learning styles has been a huge improvement for us as well. The manual is very realistic, and helped me to understand everyone's homeschool does not have to be the same! Your worksheets have been very helpful for me to process my thoughts. The ideas of seasons of life has been a "lightbulb moment" - I had fallen into such a trap of thinking about everything at one time! The sessions are very helpful and bring the content to life for me." - Claire B. - Phoenix, AZ - 2013
"When we pulled [our son] out of school to begin homeschooling, there was a mixture of fear, anxiety and excitement. It was hard to know if we were doing the right thing, but took some minor comfort in the thought that what we were doing was merely temporary. Researching schools and truly opening our eyes, we realized very quickly that our "temporary" solution was for a very permanent problem within the school system. We learned that we could not, in good conscious, send our precious children back. It was official. We were homeschoolers!!! Aaaccckkk! Suddenly, our safety net (sending them to school "someday") was no longer there! The fear and anxiety came rushing back in a torrent and, while we knew we were doing God's will, there was, admittedly, still some doubt about what in the world we were doing. What were we going to do? Curriculum? Grades? Answering the dreaded "socialization" questions that were already being hurled our way? The questions of How? What? When? were persistent and, quite frankly, we didn't have many answers. This is where our lack of support began to weigh heavily upon us. No family, no friends, no one understood what or why we had made the choices we had. Simply put, we were lost. I decided it was time to find some support. We joined [our local support group] in the hopes of finding some guidance; maybe going to a field trip every now and again. At least we could pretend we were a part of a community that understood! That decision was the best, and most unexpected blessing, we have ever received. It was there that I was introduced to Carol Gary, and her magic binder! I signed up for the class with my only expectation being that maybe I would feel slightly less alone in this epic journey we had undertaken. What I (and in extension, the entire family) received were blessings beyond measure. In a few short weeks, most, if not all, of my questions were answered. I had help choosing a curriculum. I knew WHY I had been called by God to homeschool my children. And, perhaps most importantly, I found the support, guidance and fellowship that I so desperately needed. The homeschooling journey that our family has embarked upon now seems so much easier knowing that I have only to look to the magic binder with any questions, or call upon the friends that I have made in Carol and my fellow student moms. I hope that you know, Carol, the impact that you have had upon so many of us. I know that you are "simply" following God, but I thank you for listening to His word, and helping guide us to it, as well!! - Sarah R. - Phoenix, AZ - 2013
"First of all, as someone new to homeschooling, I have found the program to be extremely helpful. I want to genuinely thank you for all the time and effort and love that was put into the development of the program. Your personal stories and experience were invaluable to the effectiveness of the program. I also appreciate that your program was so thorough in covering all aspects of the homeschool family's journey. I understand more and more that homeschooling is a lifestyle and family values decision rather than simply an educational strategy." - Faith H. - Phoenix, AZ 2013
"I have enjoyed the manual and have found it especially helpful to have to think about a vision for our family with my husband. I also found the section on different homeschool approaches to be helpful. The Nuts and Bolts section [also] had TONS of useful information." - Janine B. - Glendale, AZ - 2013
"The concept of the Family Vision/Mission Statement was particularly helpful for me to get on track right from the start! Acknowledging the learning styles has been a huge improvement for us as well. The manual is very realistic, and helped me to understand everyone's homeschool does not have to be the same! Your worksheets have been very helpful for me to process my thoughts. The ideas of seasons of life has been a "lightbulb moment" - I had fallen into such a trap of thinking about everything at one time! The sessions are very helpful and bring the content to life for me." - Claire B. - Phoenix, AZ - 2013
"When we pulled [our son] out of school to begin homeschooling, there was a mixture of fear, anxiety and excitement. It was hard to know if we were doing the right thing, but took some minor comfort in the thought that what we were doing was merely temporary. Researching schools and truly opening our eyes, we realized very quickly that our "temporary" solution was for a very permanent problem within the school system. We learned that we could not, in good conscious, send our precious children back. It was official. We were homeschoolers!!! Aaaccckkk! Suddenly, our safety net (sending them to school "someday") was no longer there! The fear and anxiety came rushing back in a torrent and, while we knew we were doing God's will, there was, admittedly, still some doubt about what in the world we were doing. What were we going to do? Curriculum? Grades? Answering the dreaded "socialization" questions that were already being hurled our way? The questions of How? What? When? were persistent and, quite frankly, we didn't have many answers. This is where our lack of support began to weigh heavily upon us. No family, no friends, no one understood what or why we had made the choices we had. Simply put, we were lost. I decided it was time to find some support. We joined [our local support group] in the hopes of finding some guidance; maybe going to a field trip every now and again. At least we could pretend we were a part of a community that understood! That decision was the best, and most unexpected blessing, we have ever received. It was there that I was introduced to Carol Gary, and her magic binder! I signed up for the class with my only expectation being that maybe I would feel slightly less alone in this epic journey we had undertaken. What I (and in extension, the entire family) received were blessings beyond measure. In a few short weeks, most, if not all, of my questions were answered. I had help choosing a curriculum. I knew WHY I had been called by God to homeschool my children. And, perhaps most importantly, I found the support, guidance and fellowship that I so desperately needed. The homeschooling journey that our family has embarked upon now seems so much easier knowing that I have only to look to the magic binder with any questions, or call upon the friends that I have made in Carol and my fellow student moms. I hope that you know, Carol, the impact that you have had upon so many of us. I know that you are "simply" following God, but I thank you for listening to His word, and helping guide us to it, as well!! - Sarah R. - Phoenix, AZ - 2013
"First of all, as someone new to homeschooling, I have found the program to be extremely helpful. I want to genuinely thank you for all the time and effort and love that was put into the development of the program. Your personal stories and experience were invaluable to the effectiveness of the program. I also appreciate that your program was so thorough in covering all aspects of the homeschool family's journey. I understand more and more that homeschooling is a lifestyle and family values decision rather than simply an educational strategy." - Faith H. - Phoenix, AZ 2013
2012
"I feel on top of it now; getting all kinds of things done. I am not as concerned about everyone's opinion as I was and I am now confident to move forward!" - Christina R. - Surprise, AZ - 2012
"I struggled with how do I explain that I am homeschooling to others. I was never brave enough to claim it. Now I have the tools and the wisdom under my belt to have the confidence I need to commit to homeschooling. I have been challenged in making the kids my number one ministry" - Stacey S. - Glendale, AZ - 2012
"What I have been doing became clearer. My curriculum and our homeschooling agenda began to flow nicely. My son feels totally loved in his schooling now." - Kelli J. - Peoria, AZ - 2012
"This is a great program! Especially for the overwhelmed newbie. I've been through the program as I transitioned my daughter from a charter school into homeschooling. It is immensely valuable. I enjoyed the practicality and the fellowship gathered from this well-planned program." - Tamra D. - 2012
"I feel on top of it now; getting all kinds of things done. I am not as concerned about everyone's opinion as I was and I am now confident to move forward!" - Christina R. - Surprise, AZ - 2012
"I struggled with how do I explain that I am homeschooling to others. I was never brave enough to claim it. Now I have the tools and the wisdom under my belt to have the confidence I need to commit to homeschooling. I have been challenged in making the kids my number one ministry" - Stacey S. - Glendale, AZ - 2012
"What I have been doing became clearer. My curriculum and our homeschooling agenda began to flow nicely. My son feels totally loved in his schooling now." - Kelli J. - Peoria, AZ - 2012
"This is a great program! Especially for the overwhelmed newbie. I've been through the program as I transitioned my daughter from a charter school into homeschooling. It is immensely valuable. I enjoyed the practicality and the fellowship gathered from this well-planned program." - Tamra D. - 2012
2011
"The program reminded me of the importance of getting back to basics, like with scheduling both in our school and our home." - Peiwen L. - Anthem, AZ - 2011
"The vision statement section really spoke to my husband and me." - Brenda W. - Sun City West, AZ - 2011
"This program was a lifesaver to me. Every chapter seemed to deal with wherever I was at in our homeschool journey right at the time I needed it" - Kamile M. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"My anxiety was high before coming to the sessions. But working through the lessons and meeting new friends completely relaxed me." - Lory F. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"The managing life, choosing and using curriculum, and scheduling sections were most useful to me."
Nicki B. - 2011
"The learning styles section was bang on for each one of my four kids. I have every single learning style in my home!" - Linda C. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"Creating a family mission statement was a really good experience for our family." - Kathy R. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"The program reminded me of the importance of getting back to basics, like with scheduling both in our school and our home." - Peiwen L. - Anthem, AZ - 2011
"The vision statement section really spoke to my husband and me." - Brenda W. - Sun City West, AZ - 2011
"This program was a lifesaver to me. Every chapter seemed to deal with wherever I was at in our homeschool journey right at the time I needed it" - Kamile M. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"My anxiety was high before coming to the sessions. But working through the lessons and meeting new friends completely relaxed me." - Lory F. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"The managing life, choosing and using curriculum, and scheduling sections were most useful to me."
Nicki B. - 2011
"The learning styles section was bang on for each one of my four kids. I have every single learning style in my home!" - Linda C. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
"Creating a family mission statement was a really good experience for our family." - Kathy R. - Phoenix, AZ - 2011
2010
"[The manual] has helped me re-evaluate and work through the many choices for my family's home education. The references are wonderful, especially for new homeschool moms! The lessons make you reflect on yourself, your children, and the choices you have already made or need to make. I like the way you present all aspects in the different areas and stay neutral, so families can decide what works best for their family and each of their individual children." - Christine R. - Goodyear, AZ - 2010
"I enjoyed the manual. Everything has been extremely helpful and I have learned so much from the material and the additional resources." -
Nichole P. - Phoenix, AZ - 2010
"I have enjoyed how detailed the manual has been and the format is easy to read and follow. Because of your manual and the mentoring class, I have gotten a lot of new and insightful tools to use for my current and future years of homeschooling. Thank you for helping me be a better homeschooling mom." - Rene H. - Anthem, AZ - 2010
" I like the topics covered. Every chapter is packed full of useful information. I also appreciate the personal insights very much!" - Jacki L. - Peoria, AZ - 2010
"Thank you for all of the time you invested in creating this manual. When I first considered homeschooling, I tried to read as much as I could and I really feel that your manual is a great, comprehensive place to get started and to help formulate the reasons for homeschooling." - Kelly P. - Sun City, AZ - 2010
"I have been struggling a bit this year with a scheduling program because we are using so many different curriculums...Thank you for the schedule in the manual. It's very helpful." - Tiffany H. - Peoria, AZ - 2010
"I really liked the way you handled learning approaches, learning styles, and the nuts and bolts section, too! There is so much helpful information woven throughout the manual and the Managing Life section is so important!" - Nancy M. - Chandler, AZ - 2010
"[The manual] has helped me re-evaluate and work through the many choices for my family's home education. The references are wonderful, especially for new homeschool moms! The lessons make you reflect on yourself, your children, and the choices you have already made or need to make. I like the way you present all aspects in the different areas and stay neutral, so families can decide what works best for their family and each of their individual children." - Christine R. - Goodyear, AZ - 2010
"I enjoyed the manual. Everything has been extremely helpful and I have learned so much from the material and the additional resources." -
Nichole P. - Phoenix, AZ - 2010
"I have enjoyed how detailed the manual has been and the format is easy to read and follow. Because of your manual and the mentoring class, I have gotten a lot of new and insightful tools to use for my current and future years of homeschooling. Thank you for helping me be a better homeschooling mom." - Rene H. - Anthem, AZ - 2010
" I like the topics covered. Every chapter is packed full of useful information. I also appreciate the personal insights very much!" - Jacki L. - Peoria, AZ - 2010
"Thank you for all of the time you invested in creating this manual. When I first considered homeschooling, I tried to read as much as I could and I really feel that your manual is a great, comprehensive place to get started and to help formulate the reasons for homeschooling." - Kelly P. - Sun City, AZ - 2010
"I have been struggling a bit this year with a scheduling program because we are using so many different curriculums...Thank you for the schedule in the manual. It's very helpful." - Tiffany H. - Peoria, AZ - 2010
"I really liked the way you handled learning approaches, learning styles, and the nuts and bolts section, too! There is so much helpful information woven throughout the manual and the Managing Life section is so important!" - Nancy M. - Chandler, AZ - 2010
