Are you looking to creatively supplement your family’s income?

       Whether you are . . .
 

• Considering a new home business endeavor for yourself,

• Already working at home,

• Seeking creative ideas that might work for you,

• Exploring opportunities that have worked for others,

• Wondering how to set up a home business,

• In need of some inspiration and encouragement to continue successfully,

• Wondering how others manage homeschooling and HomeWork and continue to smile,

• Wanting to learn how to balance work at home, family, church, and homeschooling,

• Or in need of some motivation and advice from home-based, experienced entrepreneurs who’ve been there,

. . . the E-Book HomeWork contains the information and support you are looking for!

Packed with practical tips, encouragement, and advice, this wonderful, new resource from The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine will help you gain the confidence necessary to make wise decisions about starting a home business or maintaining one and combining it with your homeschooling adventures.

There’s no denying that home-based businesses have gained popularity, and more and more homeschoolers desire this option for their one-income families. It can be a huge blessing and an amazing journey as you’ll find out through reading this E-Book!

Something for you—something for your home and family—

something for your homeschool: find it in HomeWork.

What are the risks? What are the benefits?

It isn’t always easy and it isn’t always quick. A good, solid business takes years to grow and requires dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance, all of which you will read about in each chapter of this book.

You’ll be delighted with all the helpful information that these authors provide through their real-life, work-and-play-and-educate-at-home experiences. Their stories reveal strength, ingenuity, patience, and commitment as they share their struggles, their methods, the ups and downs, the risks, the blessings, successes, and most of all, their faith. You are sure to be encouraged!
 

This E-Book book will make an excellent guide for you to:
 

• Awaken your creativity.

• Get started and stay motivated.

• Get your children involved.

• Maybe even bring Dad home.

• Follow your dreams!

“With the economy being in the state it is and money being tight, it is so wonderful to be able to work from home so that we can continue to homeschool our children and keep them home with us. . . . HomeWork is a must read for work-at-home, homeschooling moms. There are so many great tips on schedules, how to organize your life with working, and even ideas on what kind of business to start (if you are interested in learning more about opportunities). Many times we find resources on homeschooling or working at home but this book combines both.”

—Angela Richter, TOS Review Panel

“I firmly believe that if God wants moms to work from home, He is more than able to provide the perfect business plan. He will make a way, even if it seems there is no way.”

—Cate Brizzell, HomeWork contributor

“It seems that my life has been full of impossibilities, but Scripture tells us that what is impossible with man is possible with God. Praise the Lord!”

—Marie Filion Sherwood, HomeWork contributor

Q: What kinds of businesses are profiled in this E-Book?

A: Homeschooling families have a variety of interesting and thriving home-based businesses that started from personal interests or hobbies or from an already established family business in a different setting, and developed into something more.

Though most businesses these days seem to be conducted at least partially through use of a computer, some homeschooling moms use the computer itself as the basis for their work and are quite successful.

A number of stay-at-home moms use writing, printing, and/or publishing as the source of their business income. Many of these authors write for the homeschool market. You've heard the saying--write what you know!

Some families are involved with pursuits that function as business support occupations.

Plus, featured chapters support you in your home-based business, which include specific details and organization methods to assist you in the daily challenges of running a business.

Consider it required reading for those homeschooling families who want to venture out and flourish with their own home businesses!

Take a peek at the happy and hard-working work-at-home families you’ll meet and the stories they share in these chapters written by a diverse assortment of authors:

A Labor of Love:

Recycling Jeans in a Motor Home—This family has lost their minds but they are having tons of fun working together in the family’s motor home. A daughter’s desire to earn a little extra money inspired their unique sewing business. Starting with four main goals, it has led them toward some awesome learning opportunities and much more. Amy explains their expanded vocabulary, which includes constraints, togetherness, prioritizing, and accomplishments. Amazing!

Business in Color . . . at Home—Operating by rhythm rather than schedules, this family runs a graphic design, screen-printing, and embroidery business completely from home. Though dealing with messes, a definite lack of space, limited finances, and suffering from serious wear and tear on the house, they are joyfully living their dream life as they keep in mind their ultimate goal—discipleship of their children.

Travel as a Way of Life—Julie is a homeschooling mom and a leisure travel consultant working for freedom: freedom of family time, freedom to do what God has called them to do, and freedom for their family's future, which includes her husband’s being able to fulfill his dreams of ministry.

A Bushel of Businesses—Homeschooling three boys in the midst of a working orchard and running a fledgling bed and breakfast business may seem a bit impossible. This busy family shares some of the lessons learned in responsibility, hard work, and unity. As ambassadors for God serving others in a remarkable way, their lifestyle is very challenging and rewarding.

Books from the Book Lover—Working from home as an educational consultant for a book publisher, Camille spends time nurturing her business while creatively homeschooling and embracing the individuality of each of her children. The important thing is that even though she spends part of her day working, she is home--right where she needs to be. Delightful!

Raising Critters and Kids—This pastor's wife and mom to a preschooler has a pet-care business and also raises small animals for the pet market. Though a farm or petting zoo might be more exciting, right now the bit she makes each month helps make ends meet, and she’s off to a wonderful start in homeschooling. There’s much to learn and pets are so much fun!

Computer-based HomeWork:

My Life as an Internet “Mom-preneur”—Cate’s search for ways to make money online led to her start of a budget website that grew and earned affiliate income. She became a virtual assistant, and then decided to become an “info-preneur.” From writing a book, building web sites, marketing, and more, you’ll glean a lot of ideas and encouragement for growing a home- and computer-based business (while homeschooling). Her passionate example will motivate you.

Computer Network Management (Mostly) from Home—Georganne did not go to school to be a computer technician, but ended up being a business network manager specializing in small business needs. While homeschooling their three children is the priority for their family, God helps work out the many details this involves. Great advice for starting your own computer-related business!

Written HomeWork:

The Sherwood Journey—This family of six shares a fascinating story. Marie writes: “Running a ranch was a dream and a vision that the Lord had given to me so many years before, but it had looked like an impossible dream. You see, I am allergic to horses.” Their businesses include a foreign-language publishing company and Shalom Ranch Ministries, where they use horses to get through to at-risk children and teens. A lovely, moving story of God’s provision and faithfulness.

Hope Chest Legacy Plus Three—This “wonder” mother to eight children (two with special needs) owns and operates four home businesses. (Sound familiar?) She writes: “Hope Chest Legacy is what I am known for and this business started somewhat backwards I guess. I wasn’t actually planning to start a business; I only wanted to write a book! But book and business were two peas in a pod and, before I realized what was happening, I was suddenly an entrepreneur in self-publishing and retail.” You’ll want to read her impressive story and pick up some creative ideas too.

Writing, Editing, and Printing at Kap and Pen Publications—Their home business history had more bumps in the road than a Chicago highway under construction, and they know all about the words try again. And again. And again. These homeschooling parents of seven children own a small, in-home printing company. Gail has published books, planners, and unit studies. Wow! Great information for those interested in self-publishing and perseverance.

Full Circle: The Story behind Remembrance Press—Together this family has founded Remembrance Press, publishers of many character-building publications and The Girlhood Home Companion. For them it has been “a walk of faith in the school of life.” Jill shares wisdom and heart-to-heart experiences of home work and homeschooling. Don’t miss this!

HomeWork and Work Work:

Work at Home? Me?—Karen shares what she’s learned about following the Lord’s leading and balancing home life as an independent contractor and medical transcriptionist. Homeschooling and home business are huge blessings.

Keeping Books to Homeschool—Gerrie Lynn states, “I’m pretty sure that people who homeschool and are self-employed are crazy! I think our type habitually over-commits. We just can’t say no!” She explains what she’s learned about the benefits of organization and quality time spent with her children during her tenure as a work-from-home bookkeeper. There’s a key to getting everything accomplished! Find out what it is.

HomeWork Support:

Keeping Finances Organized in a Work-at-Home Business—“Bookkeeping may seem like a necessary evil in running a business, but it is the number one predictor of success or failure for small businesses.” Here’s great practical advice and specific information from a CPA covering: record keeping for small businesses, a simple bookkeeping system, using software to stay organized, working with an accountant, and organizing your information at tax time. Important measures to utilize!

Organization for Home and Work—“The first step toward organization is prioritization . . . Once priorities are established, then it is time to concentrate on organizing time and materials to make the best use of them.” Katy, a recovering television addict and “yes-itis" survivor, will take you through all the steps toward sanity and an organized home.

Epilogue by Rebekah Wilson—Includes closing remarks and one final helpful item: A few of the many skills every potential business owner should have.

It also includes an appendix, listing many additional, helpful Internet resources—a number of HomeWork’s authors have fascinating websites for their home-based businesses. You’ll want to check these out!

“I have worked from my home while homeschooling for the past 17 years and with every page in this new book I learned something or found encouragement. This could be one of the most important books I’ll read this year. There is a great deal of wisdom and insight within this book that I wish I had had many years ago; I could have avoided many mistakes and pitfalls. If you are thinking of working from home in any capacity, read this book first! If you are already working from home, read this book right away!”

—Diane Allen, TOS Review Panel

“From the mom who wakes up at 2:45 am as a medical transcriptionist to the family who works together publishing, every story was inspirational to me. On one hand, I couldn't put the E-Book down (the computer with the E-Book in it), but on the other hand, I did want to put it down for just a few moments so I could jot down all the ideas the book was putting into my head . . . If you are considering starting a new business, if you need encouragement to take the first step, if you need motivation to continue pursuing your dream of working from home while homeschooling, this E-Book is for you!”

—Lori Seaborg, TOS Review Panel

“For a homeschooling mom considering a home-based business, HomeWork is a goldmine chock-full of inspiration, practical advice, and ideas for any entrepreneur. It is an enlightening read that drew me right in and wouldn’t let me put it down. I could feel the enthusiasm and passion of each of the featured mothers. Especially helpful is the wealth of information doled out throughout the book. Websites, email addresses, and several pages of internet resources are just some of the practical tools provided. It gave me an ‘I can do it’ attitude and made me want to reassess my own family’s business savvy . . . I highly recommend HomeWork to anyone considering a new business endeavor or just for renewed inspiration and encouragement wherever you are in your homeschooling adventure.”

—Kelley Daniels, Mansfield, Texas

“HomeWork is filled with life examples from homeschooling moms and the businesses they run from their homes. You will be encouraged to continue prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom as He guides and directs you. You will also be encouraged to learn from the experiences of these homeschooling moms, to set goals, to acquire business skills, and to set up your home business to be successful.”

—Laura Clark, Hondo, Texas

“I am no modern-day feminist, but I love stories of strong, inspiring women. I love seeing examples of success. I especially love hearing of Proverbs 31 women being true helpmeets to their husbands by running their own home businesses while not giving up the responsibility of raising their children to an institutional facility (public school). I love the example that they set for their sons and daughters . . . With dozens of successful women sharing their stories, this is a must-have book for the homeschool mom who wants to try her hand at supplementing the family income without leaving her family—or for her homeschooled daughter.”

—Shannon Ratcliffe, TOS Review Panel

What are you passionate about? What are your interests?

Could you turn them into a home business?

Would working with your homeschooled kids at home be a good idea?

How do you manage homeschool with a home business?
 

Here are a few excerpts from HomeWork’s contributing authors:

 

“When considering a home business, think about how you can use that business to create a positive learning environment for your children. What skills will you be able to impart to them as a result of your choices? What talents do they already possess which could be the greatest asset to the business you are now considering?” —Jill Novak

“We have so much fun together, and, though we don't have much money to throw around, we are living a dream life! I hold our ultimate goal in mind--the discipleship of our children and helping them come to the Lord. I am eternally-focused and don't mind cutting out the extraneous. I have no problem saying “no” to things that don't help me meet our goals.” —Marisa Miller

“In the course of setting up and running the business, Magnolia (11 year old daughter) has learned how to apply for a business license, run a cash register, sew, and procure a business loan. She’s learned about customer service and goal setting. We are both learning more about advertising and taxes.” —Amy Cook

“What’s right for me isn’t right for everyone. In fact, I am convinced that my current business is a God-inspired, unique plan for me and my family. He has given me a passion for what I do, and I feel completely fulfilled while I’m doing it. I frequently pray and ask His advice on business matters. I ask for creative wisdom and give God all the glory when things go well.” —Cate Brizzell

“Running a home business can easily become all-consuming if you let it (like an idol or a video game), and customers have a great deal of power in how your life and day play out—after all, every customer is your boss and you have to be accountable to them! Having a home business while running a home and raising children means you are working two full-time jobs, and you either have to find a way to incorporate both into one and be flexible, or go crazy.” —Rebekah Wilson

“What a blessing working from home can be—a way to bring income into our homes and still have the benefit of keeping our children close and at home where we believe they should be.”

—Angela Richter, TOS Review Panel