Hi, I’m Ann. I love to help moms balance things like taking care of aging parents, especially parents with Alzheimer’s dementia, with raising their kids, preparing them for college, and launching them into adulthood; and caring for their own health as well, all while living with joy.
I’m a mother of eight and grandmother of twelve, so far. I’ve been homeschooling my kids for 31 years now, and I have four more years to go. I have helped seven of my kids get into colleges all over the country, and watched with joy as they learned to fly on their own.
I have cared for my parents and in-laws in just about every possible type of situation, from their homes, through a variety of facilities, and finally in our own home.
I have coached competitive Math teams, Bible Quiz teams, and Science Bowl teams; taught music classes, math classes, and natural health classes; helped with drama productions, and even helped with Track and Cross Country teams.
As I look back on what I have learned from my parents and what I have tried to pass on to my kids, the recurring theme seems to be, “You can always find a way.” No matter what the problem or situation, with God’s help there is always a way through.
What hurdles and trials are you facing in life? Let me encourage you on your journey as you read about mine. I will be writing stories of my experiences with my kids, of taking care of my parents, and also my mother’s stories from her youth. I’d love to hear about the obstacles facing you, and help you work through them, too.
Let’s find A Way For YOU!
What I do
Raising Kids
I have been raising our eight kids for the last thirty-nine years. It has been a great joy, and sometimes a great struggle. Right now, my focus is on raising the last of my teens, preparing them for college, and helping them to fly on their own.
You can read about our journey, and tips for college preparation, selection, and success in A Way To College.
Balancing Life and Health
In all that we do, we need to find balance. This may be balancing caring for our kids with caring for our parents. It may be caring for our own health while caring for everyone else.
With balance comes joy. Relying on God to lead us through the hills and valleys will help us find the way through. Supporting each other in our journey can also help us to find joy.
Caring for Aging Parents
While we are caring for our kids, we also often wind up caring for our parents. We wound up with two grandmas with Alzheimer’s living in our house while we were homeschooling three of our girls.
You can read about our caring adventures in A Way to Care. You can also read some of the stories of my mother’s youth in An Age Away.