Hi! My name is Jen and I am the homeschooling Mama of 4 beautiful children. They are 11, 8, 6, and 4 years old. When I was in college, God began to soften my heart toward homeschooling, when I met my beautiful, intelligent roommate, Jolene. She and her amazing siblings had been homeschooled for their entire education, and I knew I wanted what they had shared. Jolene has now completed her masters and doctorate and is a very influential leader. Her siblings are all close friends and their hearts are pointed towards God.

Ironically, my husband himself was homeschooled from grades 5-8, when homeschooling was actually in the process of being legalized in Minnesota. Chris enjoyed being homeschooled, but was also lonely, since his sister was 6 years older and attended public school. Thankfully, we have been blessed with 4 kids, born in 7 years, so our house is NEVER boring! I am also blessed to have supportive family members, who believe in what we are doing! In the last few years, my husband has chosen to work from home (he is an associate pastor at Westbridge Church, a church we helped plant in 2007). This further lends to the non-traditional, family-centered life we have chosen to live. 

I am a driven ENTJ, and have always had a desire to "think outside the box" and dream big dreams. I began my own company in 1998, at the age of 20. I had begun teaching piano lessons at the age of 18 with a handful of students, to pay my way through college. I loved teaching so much, and believed in the teaching methods I used, but I knew I wanted to do more than just teach full-time. I wanted to multiply myself, so that my real heart's desire, to be a mom, could come true. So while I birthed, nursed, bathed, kissed and hugged each of my little precious bundles, I also built a profitable company. During naptime, I wrote Operation Manuals. During TV time, I designed websites and advertisements. Signature School of Music now has an enrollment of over 250 students in private music lessons, homeschool band, and theatre classes (taught by my parents).  I have hired dozens of music teachers since 1998 and we have taught thousands of lessons and classes! I have recently been nominated as Studio of the Year in a national coaching program for music studio owners.

I love showing my children that dreams DO come true and that hard work is how you earn success. We regularly discuss business principles and marketing strategies, and someday I will teach them how to build their own website (I've designed three). I enjoy continuing my own education by never ceasing to research and learn. I have become well-versed in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), marketing, and customer service. I may not have gone on to study for a master's degree, but I have never stopped learning, since graduating with a degree in music from North Central University.

Many people ask me how I "do it all." My reply? Homeschooling and owning my own company go hand in hand. As seasons ebb and flow, one or the other demands more of my time. I am able to completely design my own schedule. In addition, I do NOT do it alone. I have a business coach, accountability in homeschooling (Classical Conversations), a house cleaner twice a month, a 13 year old mother's helper (when I have interviews or meetings), and a super supportive husband who works from home, teaches my kids math, and handles all the finances for my company.

God has guided and directed every single step of this journey, because from the beginning I have given him the steering wheel of my life! I have not made one massive decision without first consulting with HIM!  Everyone has different gifts, talents, and dreams. This is just a snapshot of my journey! I give God all the glory for every step of my journey and I cling to him every day of my life.

I pray that God will bless and encourage YOU on YOUR journey! 

Read more about my homeschool adventures!
 
Click to read more about my business adventures and see some business resources.