Homeschooling Wins: Celebrating a BIG Milestone (with Fried Chicken)

My homeschooling journey with our 7 kids is just about done, hard as it is to believe. Not knowing what would result when I started homeschooling back in 1994, my heart has rejoiced at each “win” along the way. This week we’re celebrating a big “win” in our homeschooling family.

I’m always thrilled when one of my kids exceeds my expectations. Today, I’m also pondering the goodness of God that has carried us to this next milestone. Howlett, my 4th child and 3rd son, just passed his Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which is necessary for him to become a bona fide engineer. This is the last test he will ever take, and he is beyond excited. I am, too!

Howlett fly fishing in Alaska
with Howlett for his birthday at Auburn U
Stacy Lyn and Howlett
from homeschooling to an engineering degree

From Homeschooling to Professional Success

Honestly, I was hoping for a doctor in the family, and a great mechanic wouldn’t be bad, either! However, my kids have chosen wonderful majors and careers for themselves. So far, we have a dentist, a lawyer, a grant writer and investment manager, an engineer, and one graduating on engineering in May. Two more are still in their homeschooling studies with paths yet to be known — maybe I’ll get my doctor, after all!

When we started homeschooling, I wasn’t at all sure how things would work out. But when you hear from God, you obey. That’s what Scott and I did, and I’m so happy we made the leap. The day-to-day choices were trial and error sometimes, but God guided us and brought results. My hope is that our family’s milestones will encourage those who are homeschooling to trust in the process.

I also want to share all that I learned along the way. Click here to learn 5 Things I Wish I’d Known before Homeschooling.

Celebrating Howlett’s Big Win with His Favorite Meal

Now, the engineer is the success story we’re celebrating this week. He has exceeded his own expectations! Truthfully, Howlett has always been a bit of an “Eeyore,” and in college he often worried he was doing worse than he was. After every test for the past 4 years, he would come in the door and say, “I’m sure I failed.” The crazy thing is that I’d believe him every time, even though he always did better than he thought. Anyway, I’m thrilled that he passed his PE exam.

Needless to say, that achievement called for a big celebration with a special meal. Howlett got all his favorites: fried chicken, potato salad, double-fried French fries, and mac and cheese.

I hope you’ll make this delicious meal and celebrate along with me this week.