I'm Laura Swain, an elementary teacher turned homeschool mom of four.

Around the time my twins were born, there was a series of events that tested my limits over the span of several years. Knee surgery. Morning sickness. Sleepless infants. Another surgery. And more.

We were in survival mode for such a long time, and I kept thinking we were going to find some reprieve…but the season stretched on. And all of this timed right when I had been dreaming up some “real” homeschool lessons and routines to begin with my then four-year-old. I had lots of ideas about how I wanted my life to look – but I kept hitting the wall of my own physical limitations. I could hardly unload the dishwasher, much less teach through school-like curricula for hours each day.

I felt alone and unseen. The ideal homeschool life I had dreamed up seemed to mock me as I scrolled Instagram while nursing my twin babies.

That time was full of dark moments to be sure – but this "Couch Season" is where I needed to be to learn something that would change my life.

During that season of trials, there was so much beauty: I finally, truly learned how to rest. My big girls became expert level pretenders, putting together “plays” for hours at a time. I began to notice things (important, meaning-of-life things) I once overlooked.

Before, I had an inkling that learning is not about the perfect curriculum, nor avoiding falling “behind,” nor “doing enough.”

But now, by the grace of God, I know.

Now I want to share what I've learned with you, mama!