Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Lots of changes

I am desperately ready to have this baby girl! My back, legs, feet, and stomach are screaming from all the extra weight. I think I have gained around 24 lbs, which is significantly more than I have gained with my previous two. The only time I'm comfortable is when I'm laying down and even then I don't remain comfortable for long. The good news is I only have 3 more scheduled doctor appointments before Emory makes her grand entrance. Despite my discomfort, the pregnancy is going really well and I am so thankful.

In other news, Scott was laid off about two weeks ago. It came as quite a surprise even though many people have been laid off from the company he was working for. We have spent the last couple of weeks going through a million different scenarios, trying to decide the best course of action. We definitely don't want to rush into any big, life-changing decisions. There are already a few things in the works right now that may prove to be just what we have both been looking for. Details to come if things come together.

Despite the stress that comes from Scott losing his job, Liberty and I couldn't be more thankful for the extra time we have with him. It has been like and extended vacation and we are really enjoying the time together. Too bad it didn't happen after Emory was born--that would have been ideal :). I am still taking full advantage and putting him to work around the house. Nothing like having my wonderful husband around while I'm in the "nesting" phase of my pregnancy. There is plently to do and I'm too tired to do it myself!

I have also had to start cooking again since the budget doesn't allow for eating out. I HATE to cook. I'm actually not a terrible cook, I just don't like doing it. I have a fabulous new cookbook though that has tons of make ahead meals in it. I currently have 5 meals in the freezer! How awesome is that. Plus, my wonderful husband has been cooking a ton. I truly am getting spoiled.

Well, its off to tackle the next cabinet to clean out and organize. Baby will be here before we know it!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Oklahoma Homeschool Convention

Scott and I attended the convention for the first time this year. It was such blessing to be surrounded by like-minded people and be reaffirmed in our decision to home educate our children. We are so blessed to live in a state that is so supportive of homeschooling and gives us such freedom to educate our children.

The first day was a bit overwhelming for me. I went by myself because Scott had to work. There were so many vendors and literally hundreds of different curriculums. I began to have serious doubts in my ability to choose what would work best for our family. However, by the end of the day and after four workshops for "beginners" I began to regain my confidence. When Scott joined me on day two, we were able to sort through the vendors with a clearer sense of direction.

Both of us were a little hesitant to begin Kindergarten with Liberty this year. She turns five this summer, but we definitely don't think age is the appropriate factor to determine whether a child is ready to start school. After discussing it at length, we decided that Liberty is more than ready for Kindergarten. I have already been thinking about the length of our "school day" and what type of material we should cover. Now we just had to find curriculum that fit those goals and would work best for Liberty. Tons of homeschool parents don't use a specific curriculum in the early years, but we decided that this was not the route for us. For the first year, I definitely felt like we would need the structure and guidance of single curriculum. This would give us time to thoroughly develop our philosophy of education and see what would work best for us. We came across a curriculum that seems to be the perfect place to start. We are all SO excited. We are going to enjoy this summer and spend time together and in the Fall we will embark on our homeschool journey.