It All Adds Up!

13, 8, 5, 4, 2, 3, and 3 are the numbers that best describe Jen Schwartz and Joe Jacobs. What do they mean? 13 years together; 8 children (yours, mine, and ours, ages 10-24); 5 years married; 4 years in CCC; 2 businesses that they own and run; 3 non-profit boards that they serve on; and a 3-legged Pitbull that helps glue them all together.

If it sounds like a busy life, that’s because it is! They both say that it isn’t easy keeping all of the balls in the air, but by using the distinctions of CCC they manage to bring fun, play, and ease to all of it – most of the time. They also gave up the idea of ‘keeping everyone happy’ a long time ago, and instead focus on creating opportunities for people to thrive. As a family therapist (Jen) and an entrepreneur who helps people create homes they love (Joe), thriving is at the heart of what they do.

When Jen & Joe joined CCC, they did so with the intention of starting a circle in Utah where they reside. After a year with the Westworld circle they started the Utah Circle and were the source couple for 2 years. They co-presented a presentation on “Communing” at this year’s convention and joined the board of directors recently as well. They now serve on the Communications Committee.

How do they do so much, and still have time for family, play, date nights and fun? It’s all about priorities and being present, they say. When they are working, they work. When it’s time to have their weekly quartet call, create with, or do work for one of the other organizations they serve, they give it their full attention. And when it’s time to have a family dinner or throw one of the 10 birthday parties for the year, they put aside everything else and focus on each other. 100%+100%=100% Couple comes into play a LOT in their couple – they always have one another’s backs and they communicate daily about what they each need to be successful in their endeavors.

As many of the children are growing up and moving on, they too plan to sell their home and live on the road for a year in their RV. Their youngest looks forward to the idea of travel and discovery and says “I know it will be fun because my mom and dad are really good at working through problems when they happen.”

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By Jen Schwartz with contributions from Joe Jacobs