My name is Tina, and I am a nurturer. My husband and I have a combined family of seven children and four grandchildren. We have been a family since 1997 and are active members in our church. Simple living is very important to us and is something we strive toward daily. Currently we live in the city, but our hearts belong to the country, hence my user name; ruralurbandweller.
We have been homeschooling our three youngest children ages 14, 16, and 18 for several years. Our experience lies both in public education and home education, with our dedication being home education. Our oldest homeschooler and youngest daughter will be starting at the local community college this fall. We are very happy to be active participants in her education. That leaves us with the two youngest, both boys, still actively homeschooling.
Our four oldest children are all females in their young twenties. Each is a single mom with one child. They were educated completely through the public system. What a different world! We faced, and continue to face, many challenges in this realm. We are active grandparents to their children and enjoy our relationship with them.
Food and nutrition are very important to our family. We strive to support local farmers and eat as close to the source as possible. It has been a couple of years since I’ve bought any meat products from the grocery store. Our diet is mostly produce based with the occasionally added locally farmed meat. We visit farmer’s markets and grow some of our own produce throughout the summer. This year we will be learning composting and canning.
Community involvement is a tremendous priority for our family. We are active volunteers, and I am the parent coordinator for the Homeschool Teen Community Service Team in our county. We work with several organizations as volunteers and promoters of their cause. It is rewarding on many levels. I feel volunteering in some capacity is vital to one’s overall health.
As active members in our church we continue to grow spiritually. Bible study is a priority for our family. We study together and in small groups. My husband and I also do our part at the church level. I am currently planning this summer’s VBS program and preparing for the upcoming envangelism series our church will be hosting this fall. My husband does much grounds work throughout the year and offers his handy man skills as needed. The kids lend a hand where they can as well.
As you can see it is our desire to live as close to the land as we are able and be as active in our community as possible. These things require mindful decision making. This is where the focus of this blog will be; spiritual, physical and emotional health. Enjoy!
Tina, I just wanted to say I absolutely love your site. It is beautiful and I enjoyed reading about you and your family. I have raised my three children by myself most their lives due to an unfortunate divorce. I commend you deeply from one mother to another for your abilities in raising seven! Your dedication to your children are quite apparent and serves as an excellent example of what mothering is all about.
God Bless