About Me
- Melissa
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 2
If I'm completely honest, I don't always have much to say about me. Some days I don't even know who I am, but we'll give this a go anyways.
I was born and raised in the Midwest. I spent a few years in Oklahoma for college before returning home (No, I did not graduate). After moving back, I connected with a boy from high school who soon became my very best friend. Two years later, we got married and had children. Our life together has been wonderful, even through the hard times. My man is without a doubt my person, and I could go on endlessly about how amazing he is, but that’s a story for another blog.
Now, since I have a hard time talking about me, I decided some prompts would help me to open up and tell you more about who I am.
What’s on my desk
My desk can sometimes become a catch-all. As a mother of three, my children often bring me pictures, which I admire and then place in a small pile on the left side of my keyboard. They remain there until I find time to organize or tidy up my workspace. My desk also holds toys that need repairs or new batteries. I have two book bins for frequently used items, such as my current devotional, homeschool planner, homeschool binder, notebook, and my stickers. There's a coaster for my water cup, a pen organizer, and my Bible. Above my desktop, a shelf holds my books, along with painted rocks, photos, a clock, and various other items. To some, it may appear unorganized, but I promise you I know where everything is.
Books on my Desk Shelf
Lord of the Rings Book Set... https://amzn.to/47OiFZ2
Anne of Green Gables Devotional... https://amzn.to/3VnochQ
The Hobbit Devotional... https://amzn.to/4mE3NkN
The Call of the Wild & Free... https://amzn.to/4oW00kj
The Wildflower's Workbook (aka my nature journal)... https://amzn.to/41tymBb
Favorite Quote
"It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life." J.R.R. Tolkien
My favorite hobby as a kid
I don't remember having a "hobby." As a child, I often felt different from others. I didn't have grand ambitions like becoming a veterinarian, doctor, or lawyer. I simply enjoyed being outdoors, riding my bike, playing with my siblings, journaling, watching movies, reading books, and just being a kid. One thing that comes to mind is singing. I was always good at it and still sing today, so I suppose that could have been considered a hobby. However, I never saw it that way. Singing has always been and will always be a gift I use to worship the Lord.
Three favorite words
Home, Love, Adventure.
I geek out on
My journey began in 2002 when I was introduced to the Lord of the Rings movies. Although I was young, I adored them. I didn't just watch the movies; I also played the video games. I recall being a freshman in high school (2006), trying to beat "The Hobbit" on our PS2. It wasn't until December 2023 that my childhood dream of beating that game came true, thanks to my wonderful husband, who got me the game for our GameCube. Now, you might be wondering... "Melissa, have you ever actually read the books?" Well, the answer is YES! But I didn't read them until I was an adult. As a child, I found the books intimidating. I mean, have you seen them? They're huge. Plus, I've never been a fast reader, even though I love to read. Fortunately, in 2021, I discovered a free audiobook of "The Hobbit" on YouTube, narrated by Andy Serkis! Yes, please! Then, in January 2024, I made a resolution to read more and decided to get Audible. I quickly found all of the Lord of the Rings books, again narrated by Andy Serkis, and the rest is history. It was life-changing.
P.S. I'm reading through them again now (halfway through Two Towers in case you were wondering).
The theme song for my life
Goodness of God by Bethel
Come and Tear Down the Walls by Revere
Favorite day of my life so far
Wedding Day
Birth of Eldest (Daughter)
Birth of Middle (Daughter)
Birth of Youngest (Son)
The story behind our website name
There's really no grand story or huge meaning behind Little Wanderers Schoolhouse. My husband insisted that our name should be clear, so including "schoolhouse" felt like a must. Although we are not a physical schoolhouse, we offer a place to learn and access homeschooling resources. The term "schoolhouse" also evokes a simpler era, which I adore.
I wanted our name to reflect our family as well. We enjoy exploring, going on adventures, and being outdoors. I had many ideas, but none felt right. Thankfully Joshua insisted that I not worry about the name, because it would come in time. Of course, He was right. So instead of stressing over it, I worked on some LOTR digital art for one of our Etsy stores, and it hit me. This was my exact thought process... "Not all those who wander are lost"... Wander... Wanderers... Little Wanderers... My babies... That's it!
Little Wanderers Schoolhouse.
What I wanted to be when I grew up
I said it before, but I will happily say it again. I was different growing up. Yes, I played doctor and veterinarian, but I never wanted to be those things.
I have a story to tell. I've been attending the same church since I was a child; my family started going there in 1994 when I was just 3 years old. The Kids' Church Pastor from my childhood is still a member too, and recently, we were both on the platform practicing our set for praise and worship. I can't quite remember how it came up, but I was likely talking about my kids and how I love being a mom. She then asked, "Do you remember what you said in kids' church when we asked what you wanted to be when you grew up?" I laughed and replied, "I don't remember what I said, but I probably I wanted to be a mom." She confirmed with a smile, "Yes, you said you wanted to be a mommy."
I have always wanted to be a mom, and I am so incredibly thankful that my dream came true.
Favorite place on earth
The introverted part of me says HOME! And that's accurate; yet, the extroverted side says NATURE! I can't choose just one favorite spot in nature because I adore it all. Truly, any place where I can feel the breeze, see trees, wade through water, climb rocks, pick wildflowers, and observe creatures of all kinds. My soul needs the peace that comes from God's creation.
Why we started this website
It all started because of our children. In 2024, I began homeschooling for the first time. My sweet middle child was in preschool and frequently requested that I print her off a coloring pages. Naturally, I turned to Pinterest to find them. While I discovered some great websites with coloring pages, I also came across a few that weren't so great. I mentioned these sites to my husband and thought that if they could do it, perhaps we could too. That was the beginning of it all. A website that began as a simple source for free coloring pages
ultimately evolved into a homeschool resource where anyone can access information, feel encouraged, and enjoy everything for free! I even secretly began a blog centered on homeschooling, parenting, and real-life experiences. I don't consider myself an exceptional writer; I just express my thoughts and share what I know to be true in my own life.
That's pretty much everything! If I overlooked something, it will likely be revealed eventually. Thank you for staying with me, and feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.
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