I have to be honest and admit that I'm still working through some personal biases in regards to homeschooling. My parents have always been very outspoken against it, stemming from the fact that we had a number of homeschooled kids in my ward growing up and almost all of them were weird (and they truly *were* weird--very socially inept, etc.!. It wasn't until I taught in graduate school and had a freshman student in my class who had been homeschooled that my opinions began changing. She was amazing! It wasn't that she was any smarter than the other students, but that she loved to learn so much and put so much of herself into the class. Everyone else just saw it as an easy "A". So now I am more open to homeschooling in general, although the idea still sounds overwhelming to me. It is hard for me to feel like I could be a good teacher and give my children a solid, well-rounded education in all the appropriate subjects. I guess it's because I such high expectations for myself about my own teaching. For example, even though I have a master's degree in music and took piano lessons for 10 years as a child, I don't want to teach my own kids piano because I don't feel qualifed--I have this vision of what a really good piano teacher would be--and I'm not it.
I am definitely interested in private school, though. I do not think that public schools in general promote quality learning experiences. Actually, what I'm interested in is Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Anyone familiar with it? I would like to see a private school based around his ideas. I am not interested in the kinds of private schools that are only bent on turning out students who go to Ivy League schools. I would like to see all kinds of learning in all kinds of areas accepted and promoted. For preschoolers, I love the joy school idea founded on the curriculum outlined by Linda and Richard Eyre ("Teaching Children Joy"). I am uncomfortable with the concept of academic preschools. I was about a semester away from a degree in early childhood education, so early childhood learning is really one of my "pet" areas--I am fascinated by it.
I am definitely interested in private school, though. I do not think that public schools in general promote quality learning experiences. Actually, what I'm interested in is Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Anyone familiar with it? I would like to see a private school based around his ideas. I am not interested in the kinds of private schools that are only bent on turning out students who go to Ivy League schools. I would like to see all kinds of learning in all kinds of areas accepted and promoted. For preschoolers, I love the joy school idea founded on the curriculum outlined by Linda and Richard Eyre ("Teaching Children Joy"). I am uncomfortable with the concept of academic preschools. I was about a semester away from a degree in early childhood education, so early childhood learning is really one of my "pet" areas--I am fascinated by it.
. It was 4:16 am. Then we had a few moments together. She has lots of long, dark hair and is a chubby 8lb, 9oz, 20" beauty. After that, things pretty much went downhill. I had to get a few stitches and they had to take blood from the baby for Strep B. She was screaming and it was taking them forever to get enough. I just wanted to nurse her, but when I finally got to, I started having immense contractions again. I couldn't handle it. I was sooo tired! I tried to get up to empty my bladder because I thought it would relieve the contractions. The nurse came in just in time to catch me as I passed out. They got me in bed and started rubbing my tummy and I passed two huge blood clots, one the size of the placenta. I nursed for awhile and they took the baby to the nursery so I could rest. It has taken me this whole week to get my strength back from losing all that blood. Luckily, my parents are here and my boys have been having a great time. We actually had an awesome babymoon as my dh stayed with me the whole time in the hospital and had 3 days off work. Ruby Earlene is such an angel! I want to hold her all day. She is very peaceful and has turned my thoughts to more spiritual things. She makes me want to be the best mom. I feel more patient and gentle because of her. We'll see how things go when my mom leaves, but for now, its awesome. My 4yr old is talking baby talk, but loves to be with the baby, and is otherwise very obedient and loving. My2 yr old is testing every rule and making us wish we had more! He mostly takes everything out on me. He's great for my parents or dh. I'm trying hard to help him, but he usually rejects my efforts. We have had a few pleasant moments together! I know its all normal so I'm trying to have a sense of humor about it. So far, Ruby does not like the sling, and it is pretty hot for me too. Maybe when she's a little bigger... I have to go. I want to get in on the homeschool thing, but I need to get some rest! Thanks for reading my long story!
)....but can't right now since dd is tired and so am I!! 
) I grew up in a ward with two homeschool families also and there kids were all WEIRD and socially enept also, though I know it doesn't have to be that way. They were just weird families, weird rules, etc....So I guess the lesson is that if you have a weird family, let your kids attend a school so that they have a chance to break free from the weirdness! 
)
I hate being alone in my house at night! I'm sitting in the basement with all the lights on and the tv blasting, dreading having to go to bed by myself! Hopefully, the week goes by fast!
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