About

My name is Jennifer and I am a single mom of seven children ranging from age 26 to 14. It has not been easy, but I was determined to stay at home with my children and continue to homeschool. I was able to turn what once was a relaxing hobby into a home business. A home economics degree, as well as many award winning quilts, enabled me to teach sewing and quilting classes in various fabric and quilting shops. I eventually purchased a Gammill Classic Plus ( a 'long arm' quilting machine).

When I first purchased th Gammill, I was one of very few people in middle Tennessee area that had a quilting machine. Now, most shops have their own computerized quilting machines, so I began designing memory quilts using t-shirts, photography, and men's neckties. When I creating a memory quilt, I like to ask a lot of questions such as:

• What are the recipient's favorite colors or school colors?
• Does the individual has hobbies or favorite sports?
• Did they receive any rewards or recognition during high school or college?

Certain information should be in a quilt that represents their high school years, such as valedictorian or winner of competitions at the state level. All the individual's information is embroidered into blocks which makes each quilt unique.

I've made quilts from as few as four t-shirts, to as many as would fill a double sided quilt. When I can, I include other items such as articles of clothing memorabilia, and photographs. I also do other work such as alterations, repairing antique quilts, teaching piano, card-making and I represent Visalus.

God never intended for one parent to do it all, but sometimes that is just the way it is. Parenting alone has made maintaining a regular "schedule" almost impossible. I give the children their assignments on Friday for the following week. It does not matter to me when they get it done! Life is constantly happening and can get in the way of our plans at times. When my son was 15 and diagnosed with cancer obviously our routine shattered.

I am often asked how I manage to get it all done. The answer? I don't. I've often said I can keep a clean house and run a business, or keep a clean house and homeschool or run a business and homeschool, but as soon as the third element is added, I feel stretched way too thin and can get overwhelmed quickly. I have finally come to the conclusion that one day my house will be spotless (well maybe not spotless), but by then my children will be grown.

Now on the final stretch of this journey I've only three children left at home and just three or four years left of homeschooling. I have to admit that I am tired. Our needs are always met, and sometimes our wants. I have reminded my children many times that we are a team and we will have to work together to make it.

Do I wish things were different? Absolutely! I know in a few short years, I will be able to read that book I would like to read work on my own quilts, practice piano, or just relax! And the quiet will be loud! I will miss my children, but I doubt I will miss the grueling pace. For now, this is the choice we have made...to finish the race we started so many years ago.

Jennifer