Hi. I’m Connie and I’ve been married to my husband Eric for 19 years. We have seven children and are in the process of adopting our eighth child. My husband is a bi-vocational pastor of a small church so our schedule can get a little interesting sometimes. I’m learning to walk in joy that is NOT rooted in what is going on around me.
Video: Discipleship and Living Life Together With Connie
Connie answers the question everyone is asking homeschool moms, “How do you do it all?!” Being a homeschool mom can feel like holding down a couple of full time jobs! Connie, Mom of 7, shares her passion for discipling their kids and what she has learned to help her get it all done each day.
–Did you always want to homeschool? What attracted you to it?
I was homeschooled as child and had a great experience. Homeschooling allowed me to study and pursue what I was interested and felt called to (especially in the high school years). I wanted my children to have that experience too!
–What advice do you have for people who are homeschooling temporarily for this year?
Don’t try to make homeschool look exactly like school. It’s not possible at home. Be ok with it feeling a little messy….but do enjoy spending time learning and growing with your kids! Advice from my husband: Give it a strong try and consider it permanently. Don’t expect it to go smoothly, especially initially. Plan for “off” days.
–Advice for new homeschoolers?
I would say don’t feel compelled to say yes to everything. Learn to pray about your schedule and then follow the LORD’S leading for your family. It may look very different than the next homeschool family. Too much (even of really good stuff) is just too much and can make homeschooling feel more stressful than it needs to be. Feel the freedom to enjoy your children and to go at their pace (FYI…that pace picks up the in the teen years!!!)
–What has been your biggest challenge?
We have a large age range (3-16) and managing all their needs and spending individual time with each of them can be challenging. The way I think about this has been really important. The little things….like helping my three year old dress in the morning is time spent with her! Impromptu conversations while I’m driving with my 16 year old is quality time spent! It doesn’t have to always look a certain way(although many times I wish it did)!
–One of these: Is there something that stands out as your passion with your family/homeschooling?
Homeschooling allows us to live life with our kids and disciple them. We try to do a discipleship night once a week with our older kids. We read an encouraging book together and spend time praying for them. We also talk about our beliefs and what the Bible has to say throughout our homeschooling day.
Do you have any favorite hobbies?
I love to really study GOD’S WORD, to hike, to drink coffee, to star gaze at night, and to read good books.
What is your favorite thing that you do together?
My husband has instilled a love of soccer in all of our kids….we love to play together. We also enjoy exploring different parks.
Any interesting projects or experiences?
We traveled to Texas as a family five years ago. That was an epic road trip that we still talk about! Each year we try to plan one bigger family vacation and that has been so fun for our kids.
Any other questions you think would be good or things you would like to talk about?
Many times people ask me “How do you do it all?” My short answer is that I don’t do it all. There are many things I’m not doing in this season that I hope to one day. I really rely on the LORD’S strength. I ask for help. My older kids have become really really helpful over the years too.
Connie’s Favorite resources
Book List
Favorite Read Aloud Books
Have questions for Connie? You can contact her at all4jesus31@msn.com. Remember, though, moms are busy! Response time may be delayed, but she will try to reply as soon as she can!
Hi, I’m Sheri! I am a Christian saved by grace, married to my high school sweetheart, and a thankful mom to ten incredible kids. I’m a former public school teacher who never thought I would someday be a homeschool mom! Drawing on 12+ years of homeschooling experience, follow along to find help for getting started, tried and true homeschooling advice, life skills learning, simple Morning Time ideas, and interviews with everyday homeschool moms just like you!
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