Welcome to Our Blog!
In the past 20 years, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting with thousands of families at homeschool conventions, on the phone, on our message board, and through emails and Facebook. The question we are most often asked is, “What are you going to write next?” For years, the answer was “the next guide,” but now that Carrie has written guides that span PreK through 12th grade, the answer to that question is “this blog!”
So what is “this blog” you ask?
Well, it is an inspirational collection of stories, personal experiences, life lessons, and tips to help moms look at their homeschooling work and lives in a new light. These lessons come from our experience as teachers for 25 years each; from our journey as moms who have homeschooled with Heart of Dakota from preschool to high school; from our own struggles with health, budgets, laundry, cooking, and cleaning; and from the lives of women we’ve met in the past 20+ years of helping others.
Sunday’s Encouraging Word sets your heart upon the Lord with Scripture to refresh you as you prepare for your upcoming week of homeschooling.
Monday’s Charlotte Mason Moment introduces you to this great lady with her own words in quotes that are as significant today as they were 100 years ago.
Tuesday’s Dear Carrie letter shares real questions women have asked Carrie and her practical yet heartfelt answers.
Rotating Wednesday’s week one’s Library Builder spotlights our favorite Heart of Dakota living books and brings you monthly coupons to build your library with our Book Set of the Month. Week two’s More Than a Charlotte Mason Moment delves deeper into successfully implementing Charlotte Mason ideals in your Heart of Dakota day. Week three’s Pondering Placement showcases Heart of Dakota placement advice given to families just like you. Week four’s A Heart of Dakota Life gives inspiration for making the most of your homeschool journey with Heart of Dakota. Finally, every time there is a fifth Wednesday in the month, week five’s History with Heart of Dakota brings to life a historical topic covered in Heart of Dakota’s guides.
Thursday’s Teaching Tips gives practical ways to help your homeschool teaching be successful and your homeschooling days with Heart of Dakota be the best they can be.
Friday’s From Our House to Yours rewinds time and shares a blast from the past and tips from the present “from our house to yours.”
Saturday’s Heart of Dakota’s Tidbits introduces you to our family and shares some of the little known quirks and facts of our lives.
So, who is this blog for, you ask?
It’s for women who love their homeschooling but want to find more joy in it.
It’s for women who no longer love homeschooling but want to reclaim that joy.
It’s for women who are brand new to homeschooling and want to begin their journey well.
It’s for women who have been homeschooling for what feels like forever and want to end their journey well.
It’s for women who are overtired, overstressed, overworked, and underpaid.
It’s for women who love homeschooling so much, they want to inspire others to find their passion for it too.
And it’s for women like us, who once felt unsure about homeschooling, who made some missteps along the way, but who found a path that leads to a meaningful homeschool life filled with joy!
We believe there is a content, happy homeschool mom in us all!
Our job is to find her. We are writing this blog to help you find a Heart of Dakota homeschool life you love. Regardless of where you live, what size your house is, how many children you have, or what ‘crazy’ is happening in your life, you have the power to strengthen, impact, and change your own life, and the lives of your children.
Our hope is that each blog will help put a smile on your face in the morning, perk you up at lunch, settle you in at night, or just give your life a needed boost or a dash of glitter to make your homeschooling life shine.
This Post Has 84 Comments
So excited to see this blog coming to life! Heart of Dakota changed the way we homeschool six years ago and I share the curriculum and the CM lifestyle it promotes to every homeschooling family that ever asks, “What do you use?” 🙂 I have had the opportunity to speak with Carrie and Julie’s husband at conventions over the years, and Carrie was quick to respond to a phone message I left concerning those elusive High School years. 🙂 I look forward to your daily posts of encouragement and direction as we work through the next 9 years of schooling in our home.
I wound love to receive your blog! We are heavily pondering switching from Classical Conversations to HOD, and I’m very interested in learning all I can about CM. I appreciate how intentional each choice is and the Biblical application that is poured into it.
In Christ,
Krista Bass
Hello Krista!
Thank you for taking the time to post! I have just added you to our blog email notification list. If you have any questions, just let me know!
Thanks!
Mike
Dear Carrie,
I’m excited to hear about this blog of yours and would love to be added.
God bless you ,
Siska
Hello Ms. Mickey!
I just signed you up. An email was just sent to confirm your subscription. Please find the email now and click ‘Confirm Follow’ to start subscribing.
Thanks!
Mike Austin
Would you please add me to the blog email list? Thank you!
Hi Brittany! I’ve added you to our blog email list. Just open the corresponding email and click ‘confirm’ to finish being added. Thanks so much for your support of our blog!
In Christ,
Julie
Would love to receive your blog. I am fairly new to the world of home school and I could use all the help I could get as I am embarking on a new school year next mouth.
can You please email me each new blog post thanks
Hello Alisa,
Thanks for your interest! I will get you added to our blog email list.
Thanks!
Mike
I am beyond excited about this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is there a way to sign up for the blog?
Hello Cathy!
I will add you to our list.
Thanks!
Mike
I would love to be added to the list as well!
Hello!
Please add me to the blog list as well! So excited!
Thank you,
Joscelyn
Thank you, really looking forward to this, you always share your hearts so beautifully and authentically, this will no doubt being much refreshment.
Add me, add me!! we adore HOD
Hi Elise – good to hear from you!!! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
I would love to be added to the blog list! Looking forward to reading and being encouraged by this!
This looks great! I look forward to more posts.
Please sign me up as well. I get the weekly emails but not sure if I need to sign up separately.
Thank you!
I love this!! So glad you are doing this ❤️
Please add me to your list!!
Can I be added to the email list please?
Yay! Love the blog idea. Add me too please. ❤️
I love your encouragement and tips reminding us of the reasons we continue to press on.
Thank you for putting so much thought and prayer into this! I would like to be added to the list.
I would love to be added to the list too!
Loren
I would love to be added to the list.
Love this! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture of you, Julie! Now I’ll know who I’m talking to 🙂
Add me to the list!
Please add me!
Cannot wait to follow along!! Blessings to you all! Sign me up!
Please add me as well
If I already get the teaching tips email will I automatically get the blog post as well? If not will you please add me as well? Thanks!!!
Hello Teresa!
There is a separate list for the blog posts. I will add you to that list.
Thanks!
Mike
This is such an answer to prayer. I would love to be a part of this group! Thank you for all you do!!
Please add me to the blog list! Thanks!
So thankful for this coming at just the right time!
Please add me to the email list!
Please add me to the list! Thanks!
Would love to b added to the email list to receive new blog posts! Thank you! So looking forward to reading them….
Hi Audrey! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Kristen! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Karen! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Tiffany! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Amanda! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Thanks, Kelly! We need the tips just as much as anyone else does! This blog will be a good reminder for us too!
Hi Darcy! How are you?!? Good to hear from you! Mike just added you to the list! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Loren! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Susan! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Renee! Good to hear from you!!! I know so many ladies that use HOD well from phone/email/board connections that I’ve never gotten to see pictures of either! Carrie’s son, Shaw, just took that picture of Carrie and me a few weeks ago. We are so thankful for Shaw – he does so many sideline jobs to help us out!
Hi Pam! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Peggy – good to hear from you! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Kellie! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Michele! Thank you for mentioning this is an answer to pray, for we have all been praying about this for awhile!!! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Cindy! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Erin! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Ashley! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi Chrissy! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
I would love to be added! We adore Heart of Dakota!!! ❤️
Aww, thanks so much, Jenny, for the kind comment! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
This is wonderful! I’m really looking forward to it.
Please add me to the blog list.
Hi Alicia! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
I would love to be added to the list as well! Thank you!
Hello Meredith!
I just added you to the list.
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Leah! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
Hi! I am trying to find the link at the top of the page to subscribe to your amazing new blog But I am having a hard time finding it so I can subscribe. Could you maybe help me out? God bless you for all that you have done to bless other homeschoolers!!!
Hi Joscelyn! Mike just added you! For the rest of you reading this, we just added a “SUBSCRIBE TO HEART OF DAKOTA’S BLOG VIA EMAIL” section on the right side of our blog. Please just enter your email, click the “SUBSCRIBE” button, and click on the activation link sent to your email inbox. Thanks!
In Christ,
Julie
I just wanted to pop-in and welcome all of you to our blog! We are so excited to share it with you. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm. You made our day!!
Blessings,
Carrie
This sounds wonderful! You continue to be a blessing for our family. Please subscribe me.
Hello Deanna!
I just added you to the list! Once you approve the activation link in your email, you will start getting notified each time there is a new blog post.
Have a great rest of the day!
Mike
I love getting your weekly emails and would love to receive these too.
Thanks so much, Jessica! I’ve signed you up to receive our blog. You’ll receive an email asking you to confirm the the request to receive our blog, and once you respond to that, you’ll start receiving it. Have a wonderful Monday!!!
I would love to be added as well!
Hello Amber!
I just added you to the list. Just reply to the email confirmation and then you will be all set!
Have a great rest of the week!
Mike
I would love to be added to the blog, need all the encouragement I can get, thanks
I subscribed you, Gina! Hope you enjoy our blog – God bless!
In Christ,
Julie
I would love to be added, thank you
I would love to be added to the email list for this. Thank you!
Hello Briel! I’ve added you to our blog’s email list! Have a blessed day!