Friday Five - Rainy, Sweet, and Schooled Edition

1. While I'm bummed illness and RAINY weather have made it a quiet Friday (sadly my workout buddy and family are experiencing the local stomach bug all the local mommies seem to have, and she had to miss our workout, and my playdate this morning was also more quiet because of weather and the germs - but still very nice with who came. It was like a baby playgroup with my neighbor up the street), the break in the schedule and forced quietness the weather forces is also nice.

2. I actually love rainy weather. Now, dreary weather does affect my mood, but a soft rain seems to negate the effects on my mood. It creates a more "relaxed" feeling in my home. I've enjoyed drinking tea today, napping, reading, listening to the rain, staying inside, and baking bread. I love the sweet smell of baking bread. I'm making a few loaves today for both the weekend, and freezer to use up the buttermilk, and it has been really nice. I've been doing housework too to ready for Sunday's Tupperware party (aptly called "Tupper Bowl 2010"by the consultant) and next weekend's visiting family from out of town. I'm already feeling tired though....ready for bed on a Friday night this early? LOL Welcome 3rd Trimester!

3. Maybe while procrastinating from housework and prep work tomorrow I can do a catch up pregnancy post. I want to capture this pregnancy and thus far, I've been so involved in my family activities, I haven't really done much. I will say he kicks more and more, hiccups, and I'm definitely showing HAHA. I was able to hide it in winter clothes till past 21 weeks, but in the last 3 weeks, people comment now when I'm out and about so OBVIOUSLY I'm more pregnant than pudgey - hehe. I love being pregnant though. I feel good, I glow with excitement, and I don't take a day for granted. Fertility and life is so fragile.

4. My mind has been on homeschooling lately. I need to be making plans before this little boy is born so I can recover and rest with him before the school year starts in the fall. I'm still super pumped, but of course seeds of doubt are always in my mind. I worry about mother/daughter interaction, because I have seen how it can halt the breaks on homeschooling and it has always been a fear of mine, and a voiced critique from others to me when I've told them I want to homeschool. One of the reasons I sent Lovely to Kindergarten this year was because I'm not all that strong/skilled in teaching young ones the major firsts of writing, reading, etc and didn't want to struggle with her over it. My friend H (who sadly moved away) has told me how often she and her eldest butted heads over these areas, with tears and fights, and I just fear our relationship being affected by that. They "stayed the course", but obviously because they knew they could keep going somehow. That was a few years back. That is wonderful but on the flip side I TOTALLY respect those who need to stop homeschooling and go more mainstream to save the relationship. They obviously know their "course" as well and when it needs to change direction. Every child is different, and the method of homeschooling one picks makes a difference, as well as the time to devote to it, and the addition of younger siblings. I just wonder - where will Lovely and I fall? We'll be facing this new type of learning with a 2 year old and newborn in tow, and I have major issues about mother/daughter relationships. I worry about that relationship. I want to home school for our family, but I want it to build us up, not tear us down. I guess though I'll take it a week at a time, a month, even a semester, and know that a lovely school is down the street from us that Lovely loves as much as this idea of homeschooling (she asks all. the. time. to home school while loving K at the same time lol), as well as a wonderful co-op of moms we'll be "schooling" with during our homeschooling year. Maybe having a co-op and other mentor moms will make the difference? Anyone have any advice for these thoughts?

5. On that note, I will say it is hard when people are vocal about their doubts to my plan. Thank God for supportive friends (those who don't home school, do currently, did, will, and who I'll co-op with) and my mother!! She loves the idea! Because, trust me, all the vocal worries are all things I've had private talks with myself about. I worry about socialization - but I have plans for that. I worry about our relationship - but I'm praying about it (and welcoming any tips or ideas for this). I worry about managing schooling with little ones - but I have part of a plan in place, and wonderful co-op friends who have written or told me some great ideas for teaching while Val and the baby are with us (Val will also do a two day program as well for a few hours). I worry about giving her the skills she needs - but I know with time and experience, confidence will come. I'm worried about making a class schedule and meeting state standards (and my own!) - but we'll take it day by day. But it is hard to hear loved ones spin it from the other side. But, I'm still pumped, still ready to try, and praying it is RIGHT for our family (or the wisdom to know the difference) :)

So, there I lay it all out. The thoughts on a rainy Friday. Thanks for the honest vibes one can send my way.

Also - if you can spare a thought or prayer - I know a few people who have had a rough week - either with the stresses or parenting young ones, new job ventures, a terminal illness, dealing with pregnancy, losing a baby, and fighting (and beating!) cancer. As this weekend begins, thanks for any prayer intentions you can spare.

Much love! TGIF!