From the Classroom to Home: My Journey as an Educator, Mom, and Blogger

Hello! My name is Jennie, and I’m thrilled to share my story with you. I wear many hats—educator, mom, wife, stepmom, avid reader, and, most recently, blogger and content creator. Each role has uniquely shaped me, creating a life full of love, challenges, and growth.

A Blended Family, Full of Love

At 39, I find myself in a beautifully blended family. My 9-year-old daughter, from my previous marriage, is curious and creative. My 5-year-old son, whom I share with my husband, is bursting with energy and wonder. My 14-year-old stepdaughter is navigating her teenage years with grace and determination. Together, we’re figuring out how to blend traditions, personalities, and schedules—a task that requires patience, humor, and a lot of heart.

A Lifelong Love of Learning

Education has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. Elementary school was my safe haven. I loved answering questions and quiet reading time. This continued throughout high school, where I became bored with the curriculum and decided to go to night school at a local junior college during my junior and senior years. Today, I hold five degrees in education, leadership, and psychology, and in 2023, I completed my doctorate in educational leadership and innovative change. For over 12 years, I taught in public and private schools, working with incredible students and colleagues. Today, I bring that experience to my roles at two local universities, where I support future and veteran teachers.

But my most rewarding (and challenging) teaching role is at home. After years of navigating my children’s public and private school systems, I decided to homeschool. I had homeschooled my daughter during her pre-k years due to the pandemic and certain schools not being a good fit. I always wanted to homeschool, but her other parent had a different opinion on what education should look like. So, we spent a year in public school and two years at a private school. But, it wasn’t a good fit for various reasons, which I might one day share, but for now, this will suffice. This journey has been transformative as I blend my professional expertise with my children’s unique needs and interests. On top of making this transition with my kids, I also accepted a new position as a university supervisor for student teachers and started a new online business in addition to my other roles.

A Passion for Stories and Play

When I am not working, teaching, or running my kids to an activity, you can find me with my nose in a book or building something with Lego. I’m a mood reader who loves diving into thrillers, fantasy worlds, and anything Ruth Ware wrote. My home library overflows with children’s literature and signed copies from authors who inspire me. And yes, I’m completely obsessed with Disney—a passion my kids are more than happy to share. My TBR pile is overflowing, especially now that my free time is semi-limited. But, my heart is full seeing my children smile and learn.

Why This Blog?

Starting this blog felt like a natural step. Over the years, I’ve realized that my journey—navigating blended family dynamics, homeschooling, and supporting educators—is not unique. Many families face similar challenges, and I wanted to create a space to share the ups and downs of our experiences. I came up with the name of this blog in 2018, but I was afraid. I was fearful of judgment from others. And now, I’m tired of hiding and holding myself back because of other people’s opinions. And I know our story can help others.

This blog is where I’ll discuss everything from curriculum ideas to managing sibling relationships in a blended household. I’ll share what works for us and what doesn’t, the moments of triumph, and the lessons learned from failure. Life isn’t perfect so you won’t find a highlight reel here; you will find honest and messy content. It won’t be perfectly curated. I hope to build a community where we can inspire and support one another.

Moving Forward, Together

Life is a balancing act, but it’s also a beautiful adventure. Half the time, I feel overwhelmed and like I am not doing things correctly. But, when I see my kids learn something new or meet a new friend at one of the many activities we do in the community, I know I am doing the right thing.

So, whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a teacher, or someone navigating the complexities of a blended family, I hope this blog becomes a source of encouragement and connection. Let’s learn and grow together.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to finding joy in the chaos and strength in the challenges. Welcome to my corner of the world—I’m so glad you’re here.

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