Checking in (or, I'm still alive)

(I'm going to try to update this entry periodically today. We'll see if that actually happens!)

Blogging has taken a back seat these days to Webkinz homeschooling. But my husband has been nagging me I'm feeling a little compelled to update, so here I am.

I've had in-laws of one sort or another living with us for basically a year. Leo's sister was with us for six months, followed by a short break, and then his parents were here. They left at the end of February. While I their presence made it possible for me to jump headfirst into homeschooling, I can't say I'm entirely sorry they are gone. I'm sure they think I'm crazy by now, because having extra people in my living space generally causes me to retreat to solitude, which to Chinese probably seems antisocial. When renao (noisy happy commotion) is appreciated in one's culture, one doesn't understand why one's daughter-in-law avoids all the noisy happiness. Even when one's daughter-in-law is an introvert who fights depression and anxiety. (My in-laws are not even familiar with the term "depression". What does that tell you?).

But now it is just the five of us again, and though we are missing the free babysitting, it has been going well. Even with the seemingly constant illnesses we've had since right before they left, combined with a bump on the noggin for Arwyn (which sent her to the ER).

Here's a few photos in case I get sidetracked and can't write much more (likely, since I have a sink full of dishes and lunch to make soon...)



Since Aislinn thought it would be funny to do her "mean" smile, I tried to get another of her. This was the best she would let me do (she kept making faces).



And since Arwyn was crying, I tried to get another of her. She did not comply with my command to "smile, darn it!" But look! Hair in ponytail! Still not cut! When it's down, Emo-Baby lives on!



Homeschooling

It's still going great. Since Leo's parents have left, we've done a little tweaking, such as doing most of school in the afternoon when the other two are napping. Or, when the other two are supposed to be napping. Arwyn still takes morning naps some days, which throws off afternoon naps. But I'm happily surprised that I'm being flexible about this. Yes, I would say my flexibility has been the biggest surprise of all. I'm ok with tossing things I consider non-essential, either for the day or for the whole year (don't worry...I know that reading, writing, and math are essential; but not every lesson is).

Right now, since the temperature in the sun is a shocking 78 (in March!!!), I'm wishing to toss the entire afternoon and hang around outside with the kids. Maybe we'll get a little reading and writing in (she did math with Leo this morning), and then do some bug hunting and call it science :)

Things I hope to blog about today:
Webkinz
Key West
Homeschooling
iTunes

Things that might keep me from writing more:
Webkinz
Homeschooling
Dirty dishes(loaded the dishwasher, washed the pans I will need for dinner)
Calling a doc for appointment and meds refills
Cooking dinner for a sick friend