Pull up a chair, sweet friend. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let me tell you an amazing “God story.”
My name is Amber. I’m a Jesus-loving, book reading, barefoot-as-much-as-possible, homeschool mama of many years and many lessons. I like nature, beautiful things, and a touch of whimsy.
But I never could have imagined the story God was writing.
How I Became “Wrinkles and Rainbows”
God has a way of bringing things around full circle like only He can, doesn’t He?
In the late 1990’s, I was attending college to be a teacher when I married my husband. Little did I know that I would abandon that plan and embrace teaching our own kids at home instead.
For approximately twenty years, we walked the homeschool journey with three kids from start to finish. As things began winding down for homeschool, I started substitute teaching at a charter school and loved it. But the next surprise was just around the corner.
The year I turned 40, I had a surprise pregnancy that ended in miscarriage. It took over a year to recover, and subbing at the charter school was one of the things that helped me find myself again. We made peace with our lost little one waiting for us in heaven. Our big kids were 13–18, and I imagined finishing my bachelor degree so I could teach at the charter school full time after my son graduated.
But then God.
God had a different plan for restoration. At the end of 2019 we were unexpectedly expecting again.
Nervous, a little terrified, trusting God, I carried our “blessing after the storm” rainbow baby to full term. She was born, happy, healthy, a little early, and perfect from head to toe — exactly two years to the day that we lost our little Charlie.
Things healed that I didn’t know needed healing. The calendar date that held so much grief–now also holds complete joy. Along with that came the realization that God was bringing me away from teaching in public school back to homeschooling. Again.
And just like that, I’m back at the beginning—with more wrinkles, yes, but oh-so-much-more wisdom. This time, I feel compelled to do it differently: less hustle, more heart. Because THIS time, with two girls married and one son left at home, there is soul-deep-awareness of how fast those years flew by.
This time, I know not only that I “need” to savor the little years, but I also know better just “how” to do that.
And so, Wrinkles & Rainbows was born—my “wrinkles,” my experience and age and wisdom, and her “rainbows”, her joy, her awe, her childhood.
Part legacy, part fresh start.
A quiet rebellion against pressure-filled parenting. A soft space for wonder and truth.
I believe learning should feel like childhood, not school.
Our Guiding Principles For These Early Years
- Childhood is sacred, not a race.
- Learning is more powerful when it’s rooted in love and wonder.
- There is freedom in embracing learning through play.
- Rhythms > routines.
- There’s so much more to learning than academics.
- Your homeschool doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be beautiful.
Gentle Homeschool: Preschool and the Early Elementary Years
In our home, school doesn’t look like rows of worksheets or a rigid schedule.
Learning looks like wonder in muddy boots, stories read under blankets, questions asked endlessly by a curious young mind.
It looks like joy—in the doing, the noticing, the being.
We learn through play, through beauty, through everyday moments. We follow gentle rhythms, explore outdoors, create with our hands, and sprinkle in early academics when they’re wanted and welcome. No pressure. No rush.
We also learn with books. Beautiful books. Living books. Fun books.
These early years are sacred. Not a race to “get ahead,” but a season to root your child’s love of learning in trust, connection, and delight.
And also: I believe you are already equipped to lead your little one well.
Not because you have all the answers—but because you’re willing to show up. Because your love, your curiosity, your presence… that’s what lays the foundation.
You don’t need a teaching degree or a perfect curriculum. You don’t need Pinterest-perfect plans or hour-by-hour checklists.
You need room to breathe.
A little guidance.
And the freedom to grow into your own homeschool style, right alongside your child.
That’s why Wrinkles & Rainbows exists.
What I’m Building Here
I’ve done the “blogging gig”–churning out posts for traffic, doing reviews, writing paid articles, and throwing all of my time and energy into building something big, fast.
These days I’m much more about being the tortoise rather than the hare. God has been teaching me gently, faithfully, intentionally. I’ve been learning to respond with the same.
What I have in mind for this space is a long-haul project of building community, encouragement, and something meaningful.
Some things are in place, some are in the works, and some things are some are little seeds still waiting to grow. But all of them work toward one goal: helping you embrace the freedom that homeschooling provides. Whether that’s through Bible devotionals, homeschooling articles, or curriculum helps – everything feeds the same goal.
Gentle Encouragement For Mothers
Encouragement for the weary homeschool mom who wants to slow down, breathe deeper, and build a home rooted in faith, connection, and grace. Through devotionals, honest reflections, and gentle reminders, I hope to help you trust that you really can do this.
Gentle Learning and Teaching Tools
Faith-rooted resources designed to help you homeschool gently through rhythm, wonder, and connection. From preschool guides and summer units to phonics and hands-on learning tools, these resources are meant to support meaningful learning without pressure or overwhelm.
Character, Faith, & Wonder For Children
Stories and resources created to nurture the hearts and imaginations of children. Through books like Manny and future projects like Maisie of Bramble Hollow, this space celebrates wonder, kindness, courage, beauty, and the quiet lessons that shape who our children become.
Faith-Filled Seasons & Sacred Rhythms
Seasonal resources that help families slow down and notice God’s goodness throughout the year. From Advent and Easter to nature-based seasonal learning, these materials are designed to bring more peace, meaning, and wonder into everyday family life.
If you need your village…
I know this may sound overwhelming. Or maybe improbable. Or heck, even idealized and unrealistic. I’m not making any guarantees — except one.
Homeschooling is easier with community.
I needed my village when I schooled my older three. I still need community now, even as a seasoned homeschooler.
You shouldn’t, and don’t, need to do it alone.
Online community is a great start. I am slowly and faithfully building one here.
Finding your people in real life is even better. Find other moms with your vibe. Find other homeschoolers seeking support. Be a village.
One last thing…
Maybe you’re just starting out.
Maybe you’ve tried and felt overwhelmed.
Maybe you’re holding a little one in your lap right now, wondering if this whole homeschool thing is too much.
Let me tell you the truth:
You are the perfect person to teach your child. You don’t need to do it all—just one small step at a time.
You’re not behind. You’re not disqualified.
You’re growing, just like your little one.
Let’s grow together.
Want to stay connected?
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Welcome, friend. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s make learning feel like childhood again.
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