{Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Six of Fifty-Two}

“Love people, use things; NEVER confuse the two.”

This week I am featuring a true woman of the Lord. Who puts her faith, family, friends, and even those she may not know before herself. She is humble, loving, kindhearted, and treasured by many in our small community. I have not known her for long, but in the short time I have she is a true inspiration. Week six of fifty-two weeks goes out to Elizabeth Ostrander, the faithful and loving!

I was invited into her home on a snowy cold day with welcome smiles, and warm hugs from her and her children. See Elizabeth homeschools her children in their beautiful country home. When I started this project I wanted to capture the true, raw moments of those who are inspirational to those in our community and this women was one who was nominated several times. Not only because she homeschools, but also because she has a grace about her in every situation. I got the tour of their amazing home from her three children, holding my hand and showing me everything they love about their home. While Elizabeth and I sit to chat, the two smaller kiddos went outside with their dad to walk their two adorable puppies’ and play in the snow, while her oldest and us sat at the kitchen table to chat. We talked about God, family, kids, school, and of course we had some girl talk. She loves to start her mornings with a devotion, but with small children somedays they have to wait until the evening. Her devotion to Our Lord is beautiful! “Like anything, if you want to be closer to something or someone you have to study it, in this case work at it. This brings me closer to The Lord. I study his word, and do my daily devotions.” Elizabeth says. I can see the love for the Lord throughout their home, and through their children. She makes me want to do better at this in my own home. She truly is inspirational! 

 I asked Elizabeth what made her decide to homeschool her children “We began homeschooling when our oldest was showing readiness before her age would allow her to be in public school. At that time we lived 30 minutes from town and it wasn’t feasible to come in every day even if we could’ve. My parents worked in the school district for years, and I worked in the district before I was married as a para and also a school librarian in Colorado. “School” and learning had been a way of life for me. As my kids were growing we sort of just eased into the formal aspect and haven’t done anything since.” She says. I am just in awe of her. This is something I know I can not do. Ok well if I had to I probably could. But she does it, day after day, year after year, and she does it with such grace. Her children are in 4^th grade, 1^st/2^nd, and preschool. As I watch them work on their school work, Liz has them all at their kitchen table. She says most days they may sit in their pajamas in the living room, relaxed and working on the couch. 

A quote I found after my afternoon with this amazing family and I thought it fit perfect. “Homeschool moms are privileged to witness (sometimes after tears!) the first words our children will ever read. We’re privileged to know everything that’s on the “scope and sequence” for any given school year. Privileged to spend the day at the library when it’s pouring down rain and no one else is there. Privileged to struggle right alongside our kids until we both have the “ah-ha” moment.” 

I always wondered what a homeschool mother said about the pros and cons of doing homeschool verses public school. “My pros would be I love that I can teach to their own level. If a child is struggling in an area, we can spend more time there and make sure understanding is happening. I also love that I can teach character qualities. I want my kids to know that fulfillment in life doesn’t come from being a totally selfish, self-serving person, but in a balance of loving and serving others as well.” She says. “My cons are familiarity can breed contempt at times. We have a close-knit family, but having a mom as a teacher and siblings as classmates can be tough. We try and stay balanced in this area by getting involved with people and things outside the home. Our kids need to learn from other adults and interact with other kids. They are in sports and service projects as well as a local home school group.” Elizabeth says. She has been thrilled with homeschooling, but also knows it is not for everyone. “I’m thankful we’re able to home school in Wyoming, but I’m thankful for a good school district here too. We’ve always said if schooling at home is ever not in the best interest of one of our children or our family as a whole, we’ll put them in public school. I want to partner with CCSD#1 even now, because we’re working toward the same goal. I am just on a much smaller scale.” Elizabeth says.

The Ostrander family use the general curriculum called My Father’s World. They add things to it and take certain things out, but say it’s been a good fit for them. This year they are studying Rome to the Reformation. I asked her what style of homeschooling would she classify in their home and she says “We tend to be a bit eclectic around here! Our curriculum is structured in unit studies, with some Charlotte Mason undertones and some classical as well. My primary goal is to install in my kids a true love of learning, that won’t end at graduation.” Elizabeth is the primary teacher in their home however; the biology lessons in the book don’t come close to the lessons her husband teaches the kids when he comes home after a hunting trip! Her middle daughter took a goose foot to show-in-tell at their home school group and showed the kids how to pull on an exposed tendon to get the foot the “wave”. Now that is my kind of kid. My girls would have loved to see that. “I love to get to study alongside my kids and hopefully pass along the love of learning. I want them to have curiosity and the ability to be thinkers. My hardest thing or what I like the least would have to be when I can’t seem to get through a certain area; it makes me question my abilities.” Elisabeth said. 

We all know the life lessons we all encounter in the real word are so much more than any school can teach us, homeschool or public. I believe we all have a responsibility to our children to teach them right from wrong, the good and the bad, manners, good work ethics, and most important LOVE. It starts at home! 

Getting to know Elizabeth…..

What is your biggest struggle….I love people and serving, encouraging, and helping. My biggest struggle is balancing time for me to refill my own cup. I used to think that if I wasn’t 100% at all times, saying no to someone or something, I was being selfish. I’ve learned that it’s a balance. I need to not get so worn out that I snap and get fussy with my own family.

What do you love most about being a mother….I LOVE my kids! I love that God has entrusted them to my husband and me, and that we get the honor of training these awesome little people. Do they have flaws? Yes, just like me. But it’s amazing to me how God uses my kids to teach me something about myself and Himself on a daily basis.

What is something on your bucket list….I love voice acting. I would love to sometime be involved in a professional production. 

What is your greatest fear….I believe that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). I do fear many things in this life, but when I hold them up against that truth, it helps me “talk down” the fear.

What is your greatest accomplishment….I have trouble answering this question! I tend to celebrate the small accomplishments, so even the big things have gotten celebrated numerous times, as small steps.

What is your favorite bible verse….I have two, Ephesians 2:10 “We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to us to do.” And 2 Peter 3:18 “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

What is your favorite quote….”Love people, use things; NEVER confuse the two.”

One word to describe “Elizabeth” and why she inspires you…..

 “Pray-er! I aspire to be as mature as her when I pray. She remembers specifics, follows up after a time, and adds things to her prayer list continually.” –Ryan Andrews

“Genuine! She is amazing! It's so hard to think of one word! I admire her for many reasons. She is real, and a true light. She has a close relationship with Jesus, and she shows love genuinely in who she is, and her smile. A beautiful person, woman of God, mother/daughter, She shows His Love genuinely.” –Laura Sahlin

“Warm! She always seems to carry herself w such grace and acceptance of others. She speaks fluently and expresses her feelings effortlessly. All while inquiring into your day/life with great interest.” –Kate Grant

“Kind-hearted! She loves people and she loves the Lord. She is makes me smile and I am encouraged by her words, actions and faith!” –Abby Harris

“AUTHENTIC! She's such a kind and caring friend, full of such wonderful advice, and always willing to lend a listening ear. She's real and honest about her own struggles, never acting like she's got it all figured out! For years, I think it was the first time I heard her speak at MOPS, I've said I wish I could shrink her down and carry her around with me!!” –Cassie Taylor

“Unselfish and Compassionate! She is such a giving person. I tend to be more of a selfish person, but my wife gives freely. She will give anyone the benefit of the doubt, gives unselfishly, and wants nothing in return.” –Ryan Ostrander (husband)

"Timeless!  Elizabeth reminds me of so many women from the 40's and 50's that we seek to emulate today: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly...her presence is gentle, graceful, tactful, tender, intelligent and Godly.  She carries herself with a measure of quiet strength.  She is a wonderful blessing!” –Becky Soske

"Caring! She genuinely cares about people of all ages and backgrounds and I've seen her demonstrate that in many ways in the 19 years that I've known her. Liz has many talents such as her music and drama background (and college degree in that). I've seen her use those talents in writing, directing, and acting in Christmas, Easter, and Sunday skits, plays, and musicals at church and as an outreach into the community. She's also led singing for the many children who come to Vacation Bible School, using a lot of patience and genuinely caring. She has cared for people who are sick or had surgery by organizing a meal ministry for others to bless them with meals in their time of need. As a Mentor Mom for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), I've had the pleasure of being in her discussion group, as well as hearing her speak to all of us on several occasions on a variety of subjects. Liz has suffered from migraines for years, as I have, but she rarely lets that get her down. She continues with her commitments and shows she cares as much as she is able, even while trying not to show how much she's hurting. Liz is a wonderful wife, mom, and daughter and is a great example to others. I'm proud to call Elizabeth (Liz) Ostrander my friend, because I know she genuinely cares!” –Jan Panasuk

“When I told my husband about your writings and that Liz was chosen his word was friendly. Mine is genuine. Liz is one of the most genuine, real, sincere people I know. She has such a friendly heart. We have a rare, close friendship that began not because we were neighbors but because her husband, Ryan helped save my son's life. Liz natural genuineness supported us throughout Colters journey. She will forever be a part of our life.” –Mandi Seipel

“Sweet! She is such an inspiration to me by her faith, her love for God, her parenting, love and her heart for others! She is one of the kindest women I have met! I am so blessed to call her my friend!” –Shirley ZumBrunnen

“Present! The word "present" was the word that came to mind when asked to describe Liz.  She is present with her family.  When she is talking to her children (you know how we sometimes say "Mmmhmm..." as they chatter and we keep working right along), she squats down to their level, looks in their eyes, and LISTENS. With her friends...she will go out of her way to ask about you and pray with you...I've cried just seeing her coming over to ask how I am (on a rough morning).  She is also unafraid to say when she has lost that presence with her family, and she will take a Facebook break to refocus on them. She also stands in the presence of God to get her focus and energy to do all that is on her plate.  She inspires me to live in the present with my family, my friends, and my God.  Thank you Liz!” –Tanya Reed

“Optimistic! She is always coming up with cool ideas and she looks at the amazing things in life and is very thankful for what she has and who God has made her to be. She is very creative and loving. She inspires me with how she takes good care of her kids, she is compassionate and she inspires me to be a kinder person.” –Brook Ostrander

It was a true blessing to spend the morning with you and your wonderful family. What you are doing with your children is amazing and I can see how it is the perfect fit for your family. You have such an amazing soul, and I am thankful to call you friend! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day, you are a true inspiration!