Homebirthing- I love it! Chickens in the backyard! Wish we had the room. I'm just happy we have enough space for a garden...as long as the deer don't help themselves to everything. I have to say, we didn't do the cloth diapering, but everything else seems on point. We decided to go with disposables and EC'ing. Talk about getting some weird looks! Even family members thought we were a bit "out there" when we did EC, but we had great results and early potty training, so I can't complain!
Mombear- I'm definitely checking out some sites on "eclectic homeschooling." I love that it combines different styles as one just doesn't seem to fit entirely. Your post gave me so much more to explore in that regard. I taught for 5 years before staying home when our son was born and I'm still finding it overwhelming when I think of curriculum choices, foreign language options, etc. I know, from experience as a teacher, that this is the right choice for my kids. I can't tell you how much time gets wasted in the classroom, even when the teacher is totally prepared and ready to go. It's all about numbers! When you have 25 kids in a class, time is bound to get lost helping others, disciplining, etc. etc. Not only that, but you never know what is being imparted to your kids during those long hours every day. I feel like God has definitely used my experience to help guide us in this direction for our family and I'm very excited about what it holds.
I loved the "nursing at the finish line!" Awesome. I don't run while I'm pregnant, it's just so hard on my knees, but I hear you on the double sports bra while nursing! LOL How can we avoid it when we nurse for over 2 years? Both mine nursed for over 2 years, and yes, we get looks....but we are just like you posted...we don't even treat out yard with chemicals and I certainly don't let my kids play in yards that have just been treated! My sweet husband has his work cut out for him against weeds and keeping a nice looking yard, but we feel it's worth it in the end. Always nice to have a husband on board when you get the crazy looks from others!
Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I love the like-mindedness on the forums! You are right. Health Partners says they won't cover anything, so I'm still praying about what to do. It's frustrating, but I want to have total peace in the decision we make for our family, AND no regrets about possibly not doing a homebirth. Whew...so much to think and pray about!!