*I am so excited to share this homeschool interview with Michelle of Mid-Life Blogger! I have had the pleasure of getting to know this blogger in the online world over the last year or so and I greatly appreciate her. Michelle has graduated both of her children from homeschool and has a tremendous amount of knowledge to share with anyone who is in the thick of homeschooling. This is the second in a Series of Interviews with Bloggers. You can check out my interview with Dionna of Beauty in the Storm as well from last week.
Michelle of Mid-Life Blogger
Tell us a little about yourself and your family
Michelle: I’ve been married to my husband, Scott, for almost 25 years. We have two grown children whom I homeschooled for fourteen years. Hayden is now 22 and owns a small business. Margaret is 18 and will be a Sophomore in college, majoring in Psychology.
We live rurally in the Missouri Ozarks. I love the natural beauty and peacefulness of the country. In addition to blogging, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my husband.
When did you come to know Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Michelle: I was brought up in a Christian home. I became aware of the need to be baptized as an adult, so I was baptized when I was about 31. (Even though I recognized my need for a Savior as a child, that is my first recollection of formally receiving Christ)
What is a defining moment in your walk with Christ?
Michelle: My baptism. I had begun seeking God for myself by reading more of His word and my prayer life improved. I’ve seen Him answer a lot of prayers over the years and each time I’ve felt closer, and my faith has grown stronger. I felt Him with me through homeschooling and could definitely see Him at work closing doors and opening windows to guide us along.
What was your number one goal or dream when you were a kid?
Michelle: I wanted to study advertising and have a family.
Did you go on to fulfill that dream or have your dreams completely changed?
Michelle: They were totally fulfilled. I earned a B.S. in Advertising at the University of Texas at Austin, and am happily married with two beautiful children.
How do you balance all the hats that you wear on a daily/weekly basis?
Michelle: I was at a peak of hat-wearing while homeschooling, but since my kids are both young adults now, some of those hats have been retired. Now, I’m still a homemaker and I started blogging as a way to adapt to the new season I was entering, and to encourage other homeschooling parents.
Do you have any tips for our readers in regards to balance?
Michelle: In order to achieve balance, you have to first be aware of your priorities. As Christians, God is first, our spouse is second, and our children are third.
As Christians, God is first, our spouse is second, and our children are third.
After that, you can add other things that are important to you. Keeping that in mind will help you to allocate your time and energy most effectively. Also, it’s important to learn to say “no.” It can be hard sometimes, but being spread too thin is a danger to your home and family, the things that matter most. When you’re asked to do things, talk to your husband about it and let him help you decide whether to make the commitment or not. Life has different seasons, and some things may need to wait.
Also, it’s important to learn to say “no.” It can be hard sometimes, but being spread too thin is a danger to your home and family, the things that matter most.
Do you take time for self-care? If so, what do you do to care for yourself?
Michelle: Yes, I do. I’m an introvert, so there are times that I need to withdraw from people and noise. I do that by taking walks, foraging, working in my garden, and even when I’m in the car alone. Blogging is another way, as I have a lot of experience that I want to share. I truly believe that God called me to homeschool. I remember how I felt at the time – I wanted to obey, but I didn’t know anything about it or anyone who did it. I want to help others whom God is calling.
I do that by taking walks, foraging, working in my garden, and even when I’m in the car alone.
What is one thing that makes you unique?
Michelle: I have a quirky sense of humor. I can easily entertain myself for hours. I’m still discovering more about myself and my capabilities.
Michelle Curren homeschooled her two children for fourteen years until they both graduated high school. Her son is a small business owner, and her daughter is in college, majoring in Psychology. She lives with her husband on a rural homestead in the Missouri Ozarks with a menagerie of dogs, cats, and poultry. She writes at Mid-Life Blogger where she hopes to encourage the next generation of homeschooling families.
If you enjoyed this content, I’d love if you’d take a moment to share it with a friend or via social media.
Linking Up: Wise Woman Linkup