• Faith
  • Hebrew
  • Homeschooling
    • Homeschool Foundation
    • Homeschool Mistakes
    • Morning Basket
    • Homeschool Routine
    • Homeschool Organization
    • Homeschool Encouragement
    • Homeschool Curriculum
      • Subjects
        • Language Arts
        • Math
        • History
        • Science
        • Hebrew
        • Nature Studies
        • Poetry Teatime
        • Music
        • Physical Education
    • Roadschooling
    • Holidays Homeschooling
      • Summer Homeschooling
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Homeschool Series
      • 30 Ways We Homeschool
      • 31 Reasons We Love Homeschooling
    • Our Homeschool Day
    • Digital Homeschool Resources
  • Charlotte Mason
    • Charlotte Mason Guide
    • Charlotte Mason Daily Schedule
    • Character Building Books
    • Missionary Living Books
    • Nature Studies
  • Motherhood
  • Freebies
  • Blogging
  • Community

They Call Me Blessed

Help & Encouragement for Homeschool Moms.

I Can Homeschool Challenge
  • They Call Me Blessed
  • Home
    • Blog
  • About
    • Testimonials
    • Work With Me
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Our Privacy Policy
  • Start Here!
  • Shop Favorites
    • Juice Plus+
    • Essential Oils
    • Favorites
      • On Amazon
      • Bible Studies
      • Character Training
      • Morning Time
      • Sonlight
      • A Gentle Feast
      • Language Arts
      • Math
      • Science
      • Nature Studies
      • Music
      • Unit Studies
    • My Planner
    • My Account
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • Conferences
  • Courses
    • Homeschool
    • I Can Homeschool 5-Day Challenge
    • Hebrew Level 1
    • Hebrew Level 2
    • Hebrew Intensive
    • Hebrew Songs & Prayers
    • Hebrew Bundle
    • Grow Your Blog
  • Membership
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliates Login
Undated Beyond Blessed Life Planner
You are here: Home / Homeschooling / How Homeschooling Gives Us More Time Together

How Homeschooling Gives Us More Time Together

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post and/or earn a commission on products mentioned in this post.

There are more than 31 reasons we love homeschooling so picking one is nearly an impossible feat. However, the reason that keeps coming to mind over and over again is the treasured time together our children get to spend with us, especially their grandfather. Life is way too short which we have learned losing both my parents at 61, my brother-in-law at 41, and my mother-in-law at 68 years. Time is not something we can create or get back, so choosing to spend it wisely is critical! Homeschooling allows us choices in regard to how we use our time. Our children get to spend more of it with each other, their grandfather, and of course my husband and I, which we treasure.

time together

We have 5 children; four girls ages 17, 15, almost 7, nearly 3, and one son age 11 whom I affectionately call our monkey in the middle (because so often he can be found hanging outside in a tree or down by the Bayou). When our oldest three reached school age, we enrolled them in school as we thought everyone else did. I didn’t even know there were other options!3 littles

Our 3 youngest Children on a rainy school day watching Leap Frog Letter Factory!

5kidswalking                              cool girlsandnonno

Our 5 kids spending time together after a photo shoot.             Some of our girls playing with Their Nonno.

Initially, public school didn’t seem so difficult for us, and our children excelled academically. However, as they got older, and our family grew, life became increasingly chaotic. We became more stressed and much of the joy we once knew quickly faded. We no longer had treasured time together.  I became everything I said I would never be, a taxi driver who lived to serve her children, dropping them off and picking them up. I was miserable and frustrated with the fact that we had so little time together and finding a family dinnertime that fit everyone’s schedule seemed impossible!

We felt we needed to model a life of service using our time, talents, and treasures to teach our children to look past their own needs and desires, but having so little time together as a result of the kid’s school hours made this task difficult.  Each of our kids had their own life that revolved around their assignments and activities. My oldest girls would come home from school and lock themselves in their rooms to begin homework. With their one extracurricular activity they were permitted and their homework, that literally took hours, I hardly saw them. We had no time for family meals, outings or adventures. I did everything in my power as a mom to prevent this from happening but my efforts were fruitless. The demands of their school activities and the schedule we had to keep began to pull us apart and we found our family time together even more scarce. The final year that all of our children attended public school I spent most of my day in my van with 4 different drop off times at 7:15, 8am, 8:35, and 9am and then 4 pick up times at 12pm, 2:45, 3:20pm, and 4:05 pm. We were slaves to our children’s schedules and it was awful.

Then with the new school year approaching, we decided to homeschool all but one of our children. It was such a breath of fresh air as we now had abundant time together!  You can read more about how we became homeschoolers at our blog Making It As Mom. We took time off in the fall so I could plan out our school year and pick a curriculum. During this time, I noticed my son(10) and daughter (5) playing and interacting together much more. Suddenly they were dressing up and camping out in the yard in cardboard boxes, decorated with various supplies gathered from around the house. They were playing as children should play and they had the time to do it! Watching this happen and seeing them grow closer and more deeply bonded I felt such joy! They bonded in a way I had never seen before! I firmly believe this happened because they had time to play and interact together, and were not being rushed from one place to another spending hours in the van each day.papawkids

READ ALSO:   4 Easy Ways to Simplify and Make Your Life Better Now
My husband and our children on his birthday.

My oldest was 16 at the time we began homeschooling and I watched her begin to re-engage with our family. She spent much more time with our 5-year-old, playing piano and teaching her about her viola. Listening to music, dancing, and singing. They spent many special moments together! Talk about music to my ears! Had they each been in school this time for bonding and memory making wouldn’t have been possible!3girlsgrass

Our Physical Education at the park, what a great time together the girls had!

My father in law lives 10 minutes away and since we began homeschooling, we have more time to spend with him. Visiting him several times each week and occasionally helping him with some chores around his house and yard (even though he hardly asks for their help) has become a regular part of our routine. Each day we are together they learn more about serving one another and being a family. My father in law seems more joy filled when the kids visit and spend time with him. They laugh together, work together, and have the time to listen to their grandfather’s stories of his childhood growing up in Tunisia and how he married their Meme in France and brought her to The States. These moments spent together are priceless!

Homeschooling has given us the opportunity to attend morning mass and spend time in the adoration chapel at our church. There is nothing better than seeing your faith in action, and having the example of your parent’s prayer life and how they place their faith and trust in God.

If we had not made this choice to homeschool, I feel like our oldest kids wouldn’t be as close with their younger siblings, they wouldn’t have as much time with their Grandfather whom we call Nonno, and their faith might not be as strong. We wouldn’t have the time to spend together doing family things on Fridays when my husband was off if not for homeschooling. Our home life would be so much more stressful and we wouldn’t enjoy as many moments together. Homeschooling has given us our family life back.  Our decision to homeschool has been such a blessing to us and we really do treasure our time together.  If you are contemplating homeschooling pray about it and don’t hesitate to reach out to me at http://www.makingitasmom.com.

In His grace.

Karen Tartamella

Hi, I am Karen, a wife of nearly 18 years, a newer homeschooling mom of five beautiful children and an entrepreneur. I tend to be on the more natural side of things though I wouldn’t consider myself a crunchy granola bar! I enjoy sharing some of my experiences with homeschooling, meal planning, budgeting, entrepreneurship, dealing with loss, and our experiences with ADHD in our family on my blog at www.makingitasmom.com. It is my prayer that my words reach those who may need to hear them. I have had my ups and downs, but through the grace of God and relying on my faith in Him we continue to grow closer and appreciate the loving family we have.

www.makingitasmom.com
Get 30 Days Free of ABCmouse.com!
First Month Free!
«
»

31 Reasons We Love Homeschooling, Homeschooling 7

Charlotte Mason Online Conference Reprise
The Homeschool Sisterhood
Undated Beyond Blessed Life Planner

Comments

  1. Melinda Johnson says

    April 24, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    yes, absolutely! like you, I have children that “straddle the seaons” i.e. I have a 14 month old, and a 14 yr old, with a 10 and 8 yr olds in the middle. my 14 yr old would never get to know our youngest if he was in public school. and today, I found the 10 and 8 yr olds playing in a large box after I had given them a task with the contents of that box. We do tons of stuff together, and love it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 26, 2016 at 10:07 pm

      It makes my heart happy to see the kids and how close they have become! Thank for your comment!
      Karen

      Reply
  2. Forest Rose says

    April 25, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    Awwww! What wonderful memories and long lasting bonds that are being made! Love it! Loved all the pictures you shared!

    Reply
    • Karen Tartamella says

      April 26, 2016 at 10:05 pm

      Thank you 🙂
      -Karen

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    April 26, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    This is so encouraging, to read of the changes within your family since starting the homeschooling journey. As one who was homeschooled, and has started my kids off homeschooled from the beginning, it is easier sometimes to see the hard side rather than the blessing side. I appreciate your perspective!

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    April 30, 2016 at 2:07 am

    Well said, Karen! Yes, time is a priceless resource. Good for you for being brave enough to take a step back and reclaim your family’s time. It sounds like you opened the door to a treasure of memories and connections within your family.
    Amy recently posted…3 Car Games Your Kids Will Want to PlayMy Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 4 Reasons To Never Regret Homeschooling No Matter What! says:
    November 27, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    […] The gift of time is irreversible. Time is something we have now but we don’t know if we will have it tomorrow. The Bible says our lives are but a vapor (see James 4:13-14). As a mom, you fully understand what it feels like to want to go back in time but you can’t. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Charlotte Mason Online Conference

2020 Charlotte Mason Online Homeschool Conference Speakers

Find what you need here!

Ana is the unhurried homeschool mom of 3, wife, and homeschool blogger.

She loves to encourage, inspire and empower moms to go from stressed to blessed by providing them with the tips, strategies, and resources they need to succeed. Ana is the founder of They Call Me Blessed and the creator of:

5 Days to Your Best Homeschool Years,
Hebrew for Homeschoolers,
Charlotte Mason Online Conference,
The Homeschool Sisterhood,
Grow Your Blog Partying in 30 Days, and
the Beyond Blessed Life Planner.

She leads a vibrant free community for homeschool moms on Facebook and you can connect with her at www.facebook.com/theycallmeblessedblog. Read More…

View My Blog Posts
They Call Me Blessed Homeschool Mom
They Call Me Blessed Homeschool Mom
4.9
Based on 42 reviews
powered by Facebook
Maria Nelson
Maria Nelson
2020-11-29T14:06:25+0000
for all of you moms take heed of your child education .stop being lazy our parents did it for us.
Nilsa Maldonado
Nilsa Maldonado
2020-05-01T12:43:23+0000
Inclusion, diversity, spiritual encouragement, practical advice
Elizabeth Uhe Cook
Elizabeth Uhe Cook
2020-05-01T05:20:27+0000
Ana Willis has a servants heart, and she truly loves to share and support. She is for you and your family.
Ramonita Quiles
Ramonita Quiles
2020-03-13T18:41:01+0000
Ayuda excelente y sencilla para homeschoolers
Joy-Lynn Simpson-Kenney
Joy-Lynn Simpson-Kenney
2020-03-13T06:56:14+0000
A Great resource to have on hand for all you Homeschool Moms
Charine Mascia
Charine Mascia
2019-12-03T15:36:43+0000
The Willis family have been a true example of obedience to Gods word. Trusting the Lord to show them his perfect plan... , they moved into an RV full time and drove across the USA. I was amazed at the talent, love and joy that filled this family. They are a true blessing. The products and resources are definitely in support of an amazing family. Love you guys, keep living your best life.read more
Sandra Rodríguez
Sandra Rodríguez
2019-08-29T03:11:37+0000
So grateful for this group! I look forward to reading, responding, and engaging with everyone on the different topics.... This group is truly supportive and full of great insight! 🥰read more
ArielyNayeli Talavera
ArielyNayeli Talavera
2019-08-19T21:07:56+0000
I'm so blessed that I found this group. listening to Ana inspires me to Keep my mind and my heart into homeschooling... for the best of our children.read more
Anna Zeitounian Pucci
Anna Zeitounian Pucci
2019-06-27T19:23:28+0000
My son is not a child anymore he’s a grown up handsome young man and I love him to death.He makes me happy and very... proud as his mother, won’t change him for the worldread more
Catherine Spanos
Catherine Spanos
2019-06-27T02:17:33+0000
informative info and tips for homeschooling. Ty
Melissa Jaquith Fields
Melissa Jaquith Fields
2019-05-30T21:08:58+0000
Ana gives so much encouragement and has so much to offer to Homeschool families!
Jolyne Westover
Jolyne Westover
2019-05-04T18:27:50+0000
An “always read” when I check Facebook!
Laura Jim Murfin
Laura Jim Murfin
2019-04-30T20:46:01+0000
Ana is so encouraging and makes everything fun! She is very real to share her good times and bad times, and is... encouraging through it all!read more
Ryan Willis
Ryan Willis
2019-03-14T15:26:47+0000
A real encouraging group full of resources!
Amylynn Williams
Amylynn Williams
2018-12-31T19:51:58+0000
Ana is such an awesome mother, wife, and sister in Christ. This community, this tribe of women is so supportive with... each other. I check in whenever I can to see what is going on. I am so committed to this group because everyone here is so encouraging to one another.read more
Arica Mcfarland
Arica Mcfarland
2018-09-10T20:36:04+0000
Enlightenment to become better Educated to Accomplish Set Goals
Erica Eblin
Erica Eblin
2018-09-10T04:04:56+0000
Ana definitely has a heart for homeschooling and it shows in everything she releases. Talk about seeing the fruits of... your labor! Great info and advice for you - veteran or newbie! If there is free curriculum then she'll tell you. If there is a retreat or conference she'll share the info with you. It's the one-stop shop for everything homeschool!read more
Lisa Tajanna
Lisa Tajanna
2018-09-09T23:43:25+0000
I love the support at They called Me blessed and absolutely loved the homeschool retreat! I learned so much about... homeschooling and love that Ana posts everything homeschool: how and where to start, scheduling, curriculum and how to choose, and many other topics homeschool. Ana is amazing and is helpful, generous and gives her all to the group. She is awesome! God bless you Ana! And thank you for all that you do!read more
Lorena Pena
Lorena Pena
2018-09-09T21:28:34+0000
I love this homeschool site God is awesome thank you for sharing with all of us....
Ashley Kay Fox
Ashley Kay Fox
2018-09-09T14:30:35+0000
I have been attending the online homeschool conference and it has been such blessing and source of reassurance to me. ... I am so glad I have found this page! Inspirational!read more
Stephanie Burleson-Blew
Stephanie Burleson-Blew
2018-09-09T14:23:08+0000
Ana has been such a huge help to me in my home school journey. Homeschooling can be extremely overwhelming and time... consuming, especially in the beginning! Ana has provided so many tools that has simplified our days and taken such a load off what I have to do as a teacher for my kids. Not just that, but she has helped me with my spiritual journey as well. Providing simply, fun and encouraging tools that help me take care of myself and stay close to God. Thank you so much, Ana, for all you do!!read more
Vanessa DiLorenzo
Vanessa DiLorenzo
2018-09-08T13:47:36+0000
Homeshool moms, wonderful resource. Great support group!
Abbie Shiloh
Abbie Shiloh
2018-09-07T18:52:26+0000
I love her blog 😍 She's a really great writer with content that seems constantly relevant to my home/family life.
Bekki Sayler
Bekki Sayler
2018-08-22T16:15:20+0000
Ana is a wealth of knowledge, joy, and wisdom!!
Nakisha Blain
Nakisha Blain
2018-08-06T20:37:07+0000
Encouraging benefits and resources to help homeschool families. They Call Me Blessed is an excellent blog to follow!
Laura Jim Murfin
Laura Jim Murfin
2018-07-01T14:38:28+0000
Wonderfully refreshing and encouraging!
Debbie Davis Derry
Debbie Davis Derry
2018-04-29T15:20:13+0000
Hateesha Joy
Hateesha Joy
2018-04-13T01:59:57+0000
Joey M Taylor
Joey M Taylor
2018-04-05T12:08:32+0000
Jessica Medina
Jessica Medina
2018-04-03T14:11:52+0000
Love this page & her website! SO many helpful articles!
Danielle Appleman Papageorgiou
Danielle Appleman Papageorgiou
2018-03-05T21:16:32+0000
What a fun and welcoming community! Ana clearly loves the Lord and has a genuine heart to help other moms in their... homeschooling journeys. It was a pleasure to be involved in her recent event and I look forward to many more in the future!read more
Connie Delgatty Krahn-Manning
Connie Delgatty Krahn-Manning
2018-03-02T01:54:42+0000
Jesse's Journey
Jesse's Journey
2018-03-01T20:58:11+0000
Love your inspiring messages of upliftment and worship!
Andreia Medeiros
Andreia Medeiros
2018-02-28T20:40:54+0000
Brenda Fawkes
Brenda Fawkes
2018-02-24T18:22:12+0000
I love this lady and her ministry to moms and more!!!
Kayla Mason Perez
Kayla Mason Perez
2018-02-24T02:52:26+0000
Amazing...encouraging....inspired...these words come to mind when i think about they call me blessed
Jennifer Pastir
Jennifer Pastir
2018-02-24T00:55:45+0000
Darling Kle
Darling Kle
2017-12-23T06:51:23+0000
Anne-Lise Martin Fruhinsholz
Anne-Lise Martin Fruhinsholz
2017-12-17T09:21:59+0000
Rosemary Hastings-Lewis
Rosemary Hastings-Lewis
2017-12-14T23:27:11+0000
Good to have the opportunity to connect with Ana.
Andrea Mangia Borges
Andrea Mangia Borges
2017-12-11T12:38:27+0000
Gina Wright
Gina Wright
2017-12-04T00:36:42+0000
Wonderful blog and great wisdom. So thankful for this great community.
Kathleen Mehegan Cambio
Kathleen Mehegan Cambio
2017-09-08T01:37:53+0000
They Call Me Blessed is an incredible, faith based, community of support for homeschooling mothers. It is an... overflowing resource for the homeschooling mom.read more
Laura Rua
Laura Rua
2017-09-03T19:33:52+0000
Lisa Herring Rendon
Lisa Herring Rendon
2017-08-18T19:53:40+0000
Carrie Dulin
Carrie Dulin
2017-08-15T06:56:47+0000
Mimi D Kersten
Mimi D Kersten
2017-08-12T15:26:04+0000
So thankful to have these woman share their knowledge and years of wisdom with us! I am looking forward to starting... our first year of homeschool. I am going into this feeling more equipped, feeling supported, and encouraged! Thank you!!!read more
Lee Felix
Lee Felix
2017-06-30T15:36:21+0000
Tons of helpful resources and fantastic encouragement! It's a blessing to me daily :)
BeThe Light
BeThe Light
2017-06-30T15:08:16+0000
Ana has a beautiful heart and her laugh is contagious these are the extra perks of being apart of her blog family. What... drew me to her blog was to get homeschooling info and ideas, what has held me there is her evident passion and love for Christ. Through her blog I've grown an interest in bible journaling because of the artist side of journaling I have seen her demonstrate. Thank you for all your hard work to provide great resources for homeschooling and much more, and for the prayers!!! The praysers are an added blessing! �read more
Penney Hawkey Douglas
Penney Hawkey Douglas
2017-06-05T19:35:36+0000
Ana is amazing! And this page and her blog are full of life, enthusiasm, encouragement, joy and fun! I love... homeschooling and Jesus, and those are the biggest things that Ana shares about, so I really enjoy this group and her blog and all of the activities she does.read more
Next Reviews

Meet Ana in 2020

General Homeschool Conventions 2020 Feature Speaker Ana Willis
CTC Math - The Most Complete Online Math Curriculum For Homeschoolers
I use Sonlight Curriculum
IEW - Try a Free Lesson from IEW!

Join The Sisterhood!!

The Homeschool Sisterhood It's Open! Join Now!
Charlotte Mason Online Conference, June 24-28

Undated Beyond Blessed Life Planner

Hebrew for Homeschoolers

Write Through the Bible
Where Travel Meets Community
I use Sonlight Curriculum

Join me on Facebook!

Verse of the Day

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8 Listen to chapter . Powered by BibleGateway.com.

Write the Word Bible Journals

Illustrating Bible

From Our Shop

  • The Homeschool Sisterhood Membership The Homeschool Sisterhood Membership $20.00
  • Charlotte Mason Online Conference On Demand $25.00
  • Gratitude & Thanksgiving Scripture Wall Arts Set 1 Gratitude & Thanksgiving Scriptures Wall Art Set {Digital} $10.00
  • Encouraging Motherhood Devotional & Scripture Study Journal Encouraging Motherhood Devotional & Scripture Study Journal $10.00
  • Moms Making Money Online Course by Ana Willis at They Call Me Blessed Moms Making Money Online Course $49.00
  • Hebrew for Homeschoolers Hebrew for Homeschoolers 10-Week: Beginners Level 1 $77.00

Archives




DISCLAIMER

This blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and also a participant of Google AdSense. That means that I make a small commission from any purchases you might make by clicking on one or more of these links. This helps to support this blog and my family. Thanks for your support! Ana.

VISIT OUR SPONSOR

CTC Math - The Most Complete Online Math Curriculum For Homeschoolers

BUY OUR PLANNER

Beyond Blessed Life Planner | The All-In-One Christian Planner from They Call Me Blessed.

Copyright © 2021 · Darling theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Darling Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in