Meet Renee | Mother and Learning Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renee, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
To keep going or give up might be the question, but the answer is always keep going and make changes. Life and work can go so well for so long that we forget to ask ourselves, “What lesson am I learning from my experiences and how can I use them for inspiration to change.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I often joke that my job title is “maintainer.” I have always thrived on organization and preparedness. As a homemaker for a large family, I need to be organized and find joy in seeking out opportunities for my family member to grow as individuals. As an artist at heart, I’m always looking for inspiration and locking away ideas to improve or enrich my environment and those around me. Becoming organized is not easy, but requires being intentional and willing to look at my choices, motives and needs with honesty. I’ve learned along the way to be discerning, merciful and patient. These three ideals have kept me on a path of growth at a pace I enjoy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Tucson and have quite a few spaces that I love to visit, especially with friends. Anyone visiting out of state must see San Xavier, Tumamoc Hill, and Mount Lemmon. If we had friends visit from within the state I would take them to Madera canyon for a nice hike and a picnic.

A week long trip and some willing guest would make great companions for a trip up north. We would leave Tucson early in the morning and enjoy a nice drive with plenty of walking breaks on our way up to Flagstaff. In Flagstaff we could stay in an Airbnb, then visit Tinkertopia with our kids and stop at an exciting playground called Bushmaster. We have 7 children and they love the zip lines at the park. A nice bite to eat would be at Nimarcos Pizza. The next day would include a scenic drive up to the Grand Canyon. After a few more days of exploring Flagstaff we could head back to Tucson, but not without stopping at the Pie Box for a rhubarb pie and going next door to see the rare white bat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My drive to keep going comes from my hope in Christ. I have the freedom to grow and make mistakes but the direction to give my work meaning and instruction on how to love and live with purpose. I also want to thank my parents for allowing me to pursue a variety of interest and hobbies. And last, but not least, I thank my husband for his support, even before we were married, to choose home schooling for our kids and supporting my endeavors as an individual. I hope to always support him in the same way.

Other: I don’t have social media because I like my sanity.