HER HOME & HEART / Simplifying Routines for Overwhelmed Christian Homeschool Moms Seeking Peace and Joy

Hey friend—Katie here.

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want them to love learning, but nothing’s working…” this episode is for you. For years, I felt like I was running in circles—trying every workbook, game, and curriculum to get my kids excited about learning… and hitting wall after wall.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 homeschool tools that have actually worked across all five of my kids—resources that helped us turn boring subjects into meaningful, engaging moments. From writing and grammar to Bible, science, history, and math, this is the exact list I wish...

Ever looked around your homeschool and thought, “Am I even doing this right?” You’re juggling curriculum, caregiving, emotional support, and keeping everyone fed—and it can feel like everything is slipping through the cracks. I’ve been there. And I want to speak directly to your heart today.

In this episode, I share a personal story about a year I felt like a complete failure—when even my simplest plans fell apart. Together, we’ll unpack what it really means to feel like you’re failing, why that feeling doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong, and how God m...

Hey friend— This one’s tender. Because even though I’m not naturally a yeller, I’ve had seasons where the pressure, the noise, the responsibilities… it all just spilled over. And I’d snap. But the shame that followed always hurt worse than the yelling itself.

In today’s episode, I’m opening up about those moments and what they taught me. We’ll walk through the difference between external behavior and internal signals—why yelling is usually a red flag that something deeper needs care. I’ll show you simple, practical tools that help you regulate your emotions...

Do you ever feel like you’re the only one doing everything—again?
You’ve even tried chore charts. You’ve talked, asked, begged.
But somehow… the crumbs are still there. The socks multiply. And no one else seems to notice.

I’ve been there too. And I want to gently walk with you through this.

In this episode of Her Home and Heart, I’ll share:

A vulnerable moment when I felt unseen after years of trying to keep our home going

The two chore systems that truly helped us (aft...

Does your brain ever feel like it’s buzzing before you’ve even had your coffee?
If your homeschool days are filled with noise, clutter, constant motion, and mental overwhelm, and your inner world feels just as chaotic, this episode is for you. I remember a day when I felt completely paralyzed by the noise in my life—until something surprising helped me reset. Today, I’m sharing that story and what I’ve learned since, so you can find a moment of peace right where you are.
You’ll learn how external and internal “noise” impact your mind, your...

Ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re still behind in your homeschool day? You’re juggling all the moving parts of family life—yet the to-do list grows and the peace you imagined seems out of reach.

In this episode, I share a personal story of overwhelm and offer a simple way to bring calm and clarity to your homeschool and family flow. You’ll learn the difference between anchors (steady points in your day) and rhythms (the flexible flow around them), and how they work together to create a more peaceful home atmosphe...

Have you ever looked at the clock at 2:00 PM and realized—yet again—you haven’t started math? You’re doing all the things, but nothing ever feels like enough.

I’ve been there. I was juggling medical appointments, babies 16 months apart, portfolio requirements, and never-ending laundry. I lived in a constant state of anxiety, never feeling caught up or good enough. I knew something had to change, but I didn’t want a rigid schedule that would just make me feel like more of a failure.

That’s when I discovered the power of anchor-based r...

Ever feel like your homeschool days are barely held together by coffee and duct tape? I’ve been there. And I’ve discovered something that changed everything: the foundation of peace and progress isn’t a perfect curriculum—it’s habit formation—for our kids and ourselves.

In this “Summer Throwback” episode, I’m opening up about how the Charlotte Mason approach to habits has helped our family navigate military life, special needs parenting, and everyday chaos. We’ll dive into how to start small, set realistic expectations, and use habit training to create consistency and peace.

If you’ve been...

If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed by motherhood—juggling appointments, trying to homeschool, and holding everything together without help—this episode is for you. In this Summer Throwback, I’m sharing the simple, grace-filled system I created during a season of solo parenting and total exhaustion.

When my husband was deployed and I was managing therapies, special diets, and daily life with little ones, I didn’t need a fancy planner—I needed a lifeline. So I made a three-ring notebook with basic daily checklists, snack ideas, therapy notes, and even encouraging Scripture. It wasn’t perfect, but i...

If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to pack the car while the kids melt down and the clock ticks louder, you are sonot the only one. I’ve lived through the stress of prepping for family outings—beach trips, road trips, field trips—and I know how exhausting it can be when you’re trying to remember everything, especially as a Christian homeschool mom juggling special needs, medical gear, or just the everyday chaos of motherhood.

In today’s Summer Throwback episode, I’m sharing 3 tried-and-true packing systems that have helped me simplify family adventures for years. These s...

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed at dinnertime? Whether you're homeschooling, managing special diets, or just trying to feed your family without losing your mind—this Summer Throwback episode is packed with practical batch cooking tips every busy mom needs.

I’m sharing how I learned to batch cook during my husband’s deployment, why it saved my sanity as our family grew, and how you can easily start—even if you’re exhausted, short on time, or have picky eaters and food allergies in the mix. From freezer meals to pre-prepped snacks, from seasonal menus to grocery li...

This quick story might change the way you think about decluttering forever.
In today’s Pouring Out the Heart of It, I share what happened when I let someone else take over a mess—right in the middle of my chaos—and how that “shortcut” turned out to be a blessing for my home, my child, and my peace of mind.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not doing everything yourself, this episode is your permission slip to let go and let someone else step in. Especially as we wrap up June’s decluttering theme, this might be...

Have you ever walked into your kitchen and felt like it was yelling at you? Overflowing snack bins, forgotten leftovers, and no plan for dinner? I’ve been there too, and in today’s episode, I’m bringing you right into my pantry and basement decluttering journey.

We’re talking about how simplifying your kitchen and food rhythms can calm the chaos and bring true peace to your days. I’ll share my three most powerful resets: clearing your pantry with purpose, creating a flexible meal rhythm, and doing one 30-minute prep session each week.

We’ll also...

As I’ve been sorting and decluttering—bags to donate, projects to release, spaces to breathe again—God’s been whispering something deeper:
Letting go is not just about organizing. It’s about obeying.

Maybe you’re in a season like mine—overwhelmed, surrounded by clutter, and longing for peace.
Today, I want to remind you (and myself) that sometimes, the spiritual invitation is hidden right in the middle of a messy room.

This isn’t about perfection.
It’s about pausing long enough to hear what the Lord might be asking you to release—and...

Have you ever tried to sit down with your Bible or spend a quiet moment with God—only to feel the chaos of your cluttered home crowd out the peace you long for?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a small but powerful story from our home that reminded me how physical clutter can block spiritual clarity. We’ll look at the research, the scriptures, and the gentle truth that letting go of excess makes space for Jesus, peace, and even physical healing.

If you’ve felt overwhelmed by stuff, distracted in your devotions, or weighed...

Have you ever sat on the floor, surrounded by keepsakes, and felt like letting go meant giving up on the dreams you once had for your family?

This bonus episode, Pouring Out the Heart of It, is a gentle five-minute reflection on what it’s really like when decluttering touches the dreams we once held. I’m sharing my honest journey—how moving 19 times with a big family shaped my view of stuff, and how I’ve learned to let go with peace, stewardship, and trust in God’s provision.

If you’ve ever struggled to release i...

Have you ever said, “I might need it someday…” or “I just need to organize better…” or felt like you had to declutter your entire home in one overwhelming push?

You're not the only one—and those beliefs are lies that keep us stuck.

In Episode 304, we’re walking through the three most common lies moms believe about clutter, how they quietly sabotage your peace, and the powerful, grace-filled truths that can finally help you move forward. This is real talk for Christian homeschool moms who are tired of being buried in stuff and pressure—and want to start...

Ever find yourself cleaning the same corner over and over—only to feel more behind, not better?

You’re not imagining it. Clutter isn’t just stuff—it’s a silent stressor. And if you’ve been feeling foggy, short-tempered, emotionally drained, or overwhelmed no matter how much sleep you get, this episode is for you.

In today’s kickoff to the Make Room to Breathe series, I’ll walk you through how clutter quietly impacts your brain, emotions, and peace—and how I’m gently decluttering one corner at a time, right alongside you. You’ll also hear how...

Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you’re there—because your brain is juggling 35 invisible tabs at once?

In Episode 302 of Her Home and Heart, we’re unpacking the mental and emotional load that so many Christian homeschool moms silently carry. From constant planning to managing emotions, homeschool, meals, and life—it’s no wonder we feel exhausted. I’ll walk you through how to recognize the signs of cognitive overload, how to dump and delegate what’s weighing you down, and how to create flexible rhythms that work with your season—not against it.

Hard seasons change everything—including how we homeschool. Whether you're navigating long-term special needs, grief, trauma recovery, or sheer exhaustion, this episode offers simple, flexible routines to help stabilize your days and restore peace to your home.

Today I’m sharing tools that supported my family through medical stress, emotional dysregulation, and survival-mode seasons.

I’ll give practical ideas for both younger and older children, as well as gentle support for your own heart as a homeschooling mom. From visual schedules to sensory connection strategies and grace-based planning for older kids, this episode will meet you ri...

Are you building your homeschool and daily life around a version of yourself that doesn’t even exist right now?

In this heartfelt 300th episode of Her Home and Heart, I share what it really looks like to let go of the "ideal mom" and rebuild rhythms that honor who you are in your current season—especially when life feels heavier than you ever expected. From adjusting homeschool structure to giving yourself permission to embrace God's mercy, this episode is an honest look at simplifying when things get hard. If your season has shifted and you're feeling the...

Feeling like your homeschool or motherhood rhythm is slipping through the cracks? In this episode, I share the 3 daily anchors that have brought lasting peace, clarity, and confidence into my days—especially during seasons of exhaustion or chaos.

Whether you're juggling multiple kids, special needs, medical appointments, or just daily life, these simple checkpoints—Mind, Heart, and Hands—will help you build a daily rhythm that works, even when everything feels upside down. This tool is flexible, effective, and already working for more families than you think.

XOXO,
Katie

🌟 Mentioned in This Episode:<...

Have you ever felt guilty for needing a break—from homeschooling, from the to-do list, from the chaos?

In this episode, I’m giving you the permission slip you didn’t know you needed: a day off isn’t failure—it’s faithfulness. You’ll discover how to build rest into your rhythm (without falling behind), why your kids still learn even when school is paused, and 3 simple, soul-filling ways to reset when everything feels heavy. I’ll also share personal stories—including how a spontaneous rest day brought our family back to joy, and a wise friend’s advice th...

Have you ever blanked in the middle of your homeschool day—and then blamed yourself?
You’re trying to juggle meals, lessons, therapy appointments, and tiny humans… and suddenly your brain just quits.
You're not broken. You're not failing. You’re simply overwhelmed.

In this episode of Her Home and Heart, I’ll help you tell the difference between “mom brain” and true mental overload—and walk you through a gentle reset that’s helped me in my hardest seasons of homeschooling and motherhood.

You’ll learn: 
✅ Why forgetfulness might not be what you think
✅ T...

Have you ever wondered why homeschool and motherhood still feel heavy—even when you’re doing your best? I’ve been there too. In this episode, I open up about the hidden doubts I’ve faced over the years and how I used to believe I was failing, even when God was working beneath the surface.

If you’ve ever cried after a tough day or compared your journey to someone else’s “highlight reel,” this one’s for you. Together, we’ll explore the truth about real progress, drop the guilt, and find peace in the season you’re in.

Overslept. The puppy’s barking. The kids are loud. Your to-do list is already behind—and it’s not even 8AM. What if this didn’t have to ruin your day?

In this short and encouraging episode, I'll share a chaotic real-life morning and the simple 10-minute reset that shifted everything. You’ll learn a 3-part mindset tool you can use before breakfast tomorrow—and discover how peace isn’t found in the perfect plan, but in the grace to start again.

If your mornings feel frantic or fragile, this reset is for you.

This isn’t a...

Does the mess in your home ever make you feel like you're failing as a mom?

Maybe it's the unmade beds, the trail of Legos, the piles of laundry—and suddenly, you feel that rising frustration, wondering if anything you're doing is actually working. But what if those messes were more than just mess? What if they were reminders of something sacred?

In this gentle and grace-filled episode, I invite you into a fresh perspective—one that reframes the chaos of motherhood as evidence of life, love, and opportunity. Today I’ll share a powerful mindse...

Life moves so fast at times that we don’t even realize we’ve stopped processing it. We just keep going—surviving, managing, and handling all the things—until suddenly, we feel exhausted, numb, or stuck in constant fight-or-flight mode.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple 3-step reset that has helped me through some of the most overwhelming seasons of motherhood and homeschooling. This system is practical, grace-filled, and something you can start using right now—even if your life doesn’t slow down.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or just plain exhaust...

When life is running at full speed, even the best systems can fail. Homeschool moms juggle so much—teaching, parenting, managing the home, and everything in between. But what happens when it all feels like too much?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple system to reset when everything feels overwhelming—whether it’s homeschool, motherhood, or just life in general. You’ll walk away with three practical steps to step out of survival mode, refocus, and find peace—even in the chaos.

If you’ve ever felt like your routines have collapsed under the weight...

Too busy for Bible time? As busy moms, we want to stay rooted in scripture and teach our kids to love God’s Word—but between homeschooling, housework, and everyday life, it can feel impossible.

In this episode, I’m joined again by Elizabeth Urbanowicz from Foundation Worldview to dive into simple, realistic ways to bring scripture into your daily life—without adding stress or feeling like you're falling short.

We’ll cover:
✔️ How to build a Bible habit—even if you're constantly interrupted
✔️ Practical ways to make scripture a natural part of your home
✔️ Ea...

Overwhelmed by the mess? Between homeschooling, meals, and the never-ending to-do list, keeping your home tidy can feel like an uphill battle. But what if just five minutes a day could restore peace and order?

In this episode, I’m sharing my Five-Minute Clean-Up Routine—a simple yet powerful way to keep your home tidy without feeling exhausted. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating small, joyful habits that make your days easier.

You’ll learn:
✔ How to make tidying a fun family habit (even with little kids!)
✔ Why five minutes is all you nee...

Have you ever felt judged or misunderstood for the way you raise your children? Maybe it’s because you homeschool, because you’re protecting a medically fragile child, or because you're making decisions others don’t understand. When people don’t walk in your shoes, they can be quick to criticize—sometimes even family or close friends.

In today’s episode, I want to remind you: You’re not alone. This struggle is real, and it hurts. But there is hope, and there is comfort in Jesus. I’ll share real examples of these struggles and encouragement for those moment...

Feeling stretched thin, mama? Between homeschooling, motherhood, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. But you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode! In this episode, I’m sharing 8 micro habits that have personally helped me reset, reduce stress, and find joy again—even in the busiest, hardest seasons of life.

These are the same habits I leaned on while navigating my son’s brain surgery, my daughter’s medical challenges, and 42 medical appointments in a single month. If they worked for me in the chaos, they can work for you too...

Have you ever read an inspiring book or listened to a podcast that filled you with motivation—only to feel overwhelmed because you don’t think you can apply it to your life? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m too busy for that,” or “I’ll never be able to pull it off like she did.” I’ve been there, and today, I want to help you break free from that discouragement. 

In this quick episode, we’ll talk about:  

**How to pray for wisdom and guidance when inspiration feels overwhelming**  

**The difference between a growth mindset an...

Does the idea of having someone over send you into a tailspin of anxiety about the state of your house, your yard, or even what snack you’ll serve? I get it—hospitality can feel overwhelming, especially when we’re juggling homeschooling, special needs, or just the busyness of family life.

But here’s the truth: hospitality isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. It’s about opening your heart to serve others, even when your home—or life—feels far from Pinterest-worthy.

Let’s refocus on what really matters: loving others as Jesus does.

You’ve g...

Feeling scattered and overwhelmed by the chaos of motherhood and homeschooling?

Do you feel like the chaos of daily life is running you instead of the other way around? 

I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be. 

Today I'm sharing 8 practical mini routines that can bring more peace and organization to your home. These routines have been a game-changer for my family, and I hope they will be for yours too.  

Let’s tackle the overwhelm together!  

Blessings,  

Katie 

ROAD TRIP MYSTERIES ACT...

Do you ever feel like clutter is taking over your home and stealing your peace? I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple, step-by-step approach to declutter without feeling paralyzed—so you can create a space that supports your family and homeschool routines.  

We’ll explore:  

- The “One Space at a Time” method for tackling clutter in small, manageable steps.  

- Practical tips for working smarter, not harder—like setting a timer and using a simple three-bin system.  

Do you ever feel like life’s challenges threaten to overwhelm your routines and derail the homeschool life you’re trying so hard to build?

This past year brought some of the hardest trials I’ve ever faced—like my son’s brain surgery—and yet, God has used every moment to teach me about faith, family, and finding joy in what matters most. In this short episode, I’ll share: 

- How routines can ground us during difficult seasons and bring purpose to everyday life. 

- Practical steps for reframing challenges as opportunities fo...

Rainy and snowy days can feel like a drag—or they can become the perfect opportunity for connection and fun! Whether it’s curling up with a book, baking together, or trying out a new craft, these moments can bring your family closer and create lasting memories.

In this episode, I’m sharing 7 cozy and simple activities that have worked wonders in my own home. From enjoying tea and cookies to turning rainy days into impromptu “snow days,” these ideas are easy to implement and don’t require a ton of prep. Plus, they’re perfect for bonding, laugh...

Merry Christmas, Mom!

Amid the joy, laughter, and beautiful chaos of Christmas morning, I hope you’ll take just five minutes to join me for this heartfelt blessing. This episode is all about you—a quick moment to reflect, breathe, and soak in the faith and joy that this special day brings.

Let this short time together remind you of the incredible love of Christ, the blessing of your family, and the true meaning of today. Whether you’re watching your children open gifts, prepping breakfast, or just sneaking a quiet moment with your coffee, this e...