Name: Jerri Dwyer
Kid’s names and ages:
Elizabeth, 6
Kaytlin, 11
Kaleb, 16
My nephew, Kaleb, moved in with us after his mom passed away last year. He has been such a fun addition to our household.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or do you avoid those?
I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions because I tend to find them difficult to follow for the long term if I label them as a resolution. However, I have committed to lowering sugar and processed foods in my family’s diet.
Tell us about a day in your life:
Like most moms, my typical day is busy. As a homeschool mom, my daily routine revolves around my kid’s school schedules. Except for weekends, my days look something like this:
I wake up at 5:30 am and get my nephew ready for his early bus ride. On most mornings, while I am energizing myself with my morning coffee, we have a visit from a young man in our neighborhood who waits with us for his bus, occasionally, he will bring his electric guitar which really livens the house up early. When the weather is good, my family treats our pug to a mile walk in the neighborhood, while I stay home getting ready for the day. By seven o’clock, my husband and I enjoy our green smoothies and he is off to work.
Then, the house becomes full of energy and life, while the girls practice their Irish Dance. During their workouts, I am usually motivated enough to get some of my own therapy exercises done.
By 8:30, we are in full swing for homeschool. The girls have eaten breakfast and are crafting, while I read aloud a living history book. Right now we are studying Early American History and have enjoyed some great books like Amos Fortune: Free Man, The Witch of BlackBird Pond, and Johnny Tremain. Throughout the school day, both my Kindergartner and sixth grader complete courses in Bible, Writing, Botany, English, Math, Reading and Spelling.
My oldest makes lunch for her and her sister, while my husband and I enjoy another green smoothie. After lunch, my 6th grader completes her day with Latin and Typing. With the exception of Friday, homeschool is completed by 2pm. Fridays are designed to be lighter school days leaving time for field trips and trying new recipes out at home.
Most afternoons, we are cleaning house and completing chores followed by running around somewhere. On Tuesday afternoon, my girls attend Ecclesia Prep where they enjoy class time with peers. Tuesday nights, we attend Bible Study Fellowship and an additional three nights a week, we have Irish Dance practice. As we all know, being a mom is living a life full with activities and love. Such is my blessed life!
What’s the best part about being a mom?
For me, being a mom was a dream come true. We struggled with miscarriages, adoption waiting lists, and failed adoptions for ten years. Then God blessed our family through adoption. I try to enjoy every aspect of motherhood, but some of my favorites are the hugs, kisses, snuggles, and laughs.
Tell us about some traditions you’ve started with your kids:
Touring and taking photos at the Fayetteville square during Christmas. Going to the Christmas festival at Silver Dollar City. Making a gingerbread house at Christmas. Making tie-dye t-shirts before the end of each summer. Collecting ornaments from every place that we travel.
What has been one of the most surprising things about motherhood?
The amount of grace that my kids display to me. I could make a long list of all the things that I regret saying or a reaction in a given situation. It seems that I remember these more than my kids, they forgive me and keep on going.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Fishing, taking the kids to the park, watching movies, reading books, hanging out as a family.
What was the last thing you really laughed out loud about?
My kid’s impersonations of different family members. They have an interesting view of each other!
If you could vacation anywhere in the world this winter where would it be?
Australia
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Drew Barrymore
What would the movie be titled?
“Team Jerri: Winning the Spirit Award”
God knew my life would be a wonderful adventure, yet would also include some struggles, so he surrounded me with His LOVE. Love expressed in all the family, friends, and strangers – beautiful faces – cheering me across the finish line.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?
Scuba Diving
How do you relax at the end of the day?
Watching a Netflix show and enjoying a cup of hot tea
What’s one thing you’d want people to remember about you?
That I lived a life trusting in God and encouraging others
One word to sum me up:
Persistent
