Xenia Kathryn

Hey folks! Yes, thank you for your comments in the previous post. I like what Lauren and "Teddy" aka my friend Sandy had to say in regards to school; I'm not married to either choice. Wahoo! I like that a lot; it's a great way to think of it! Thanks ladies (who also happen to be great homeschooling moms). In case any of you are interested in more about our current decision, here's it is! :)

I love the concept of watching my child learn first-hand. Being there for her/ them as she/ they grasp concepts and have those amazing "light bulb" moments after lots of hard work and practice. Just like watching V. learn to crawl, then talk, then walk, then learn her colors and then... on and on. Over the course of my pregnancy though (6 months so far!), I just kinda of fizzled. You understand, right? hehehe. I've been very blessed with an uneventful pregnancy so far. But patience and creativity (other than sewing *blush*) and endurance were at a minimum. Now that I'm in my third trimester, things are little better. I still don't have a ton of patience or stamina for many educational, enriching activities with my kids. Gah! There, I said it! Lord have mercy. Fortunately both of my girls have really gotten into independent play, which means most of my energy is spent "helping" them clean up messes and swaddling baby dolls and keeping Barbie dolls clothed in a respectable fashion.

Like I mentioned before, I think that V. would benefit from preschool a lot. She is a social butterfly, for sure. Plus, I know she's a smart girl and would take quickly to the learning environment. I'm too busy cowering and worrying about pushing her too hard or not pushing her enough, etc.

I'm looking forward to having a little time carved out for "one-on-one" (as much as can be had with a new baby) time with Susy. And, admittedly, some windows of opportunity to make it to the grocery store with just two babies instead of three :D hehehe.

As far as after preschool? It all depends. Like most of you moms of school-aged children, I can only take it year by year and see what happens. Job and I would, ideally, like to give our children a somewhat consistent schooling experience. But even that wish we might have to surrender as the needs of our kids change, etc. We can only wait and see and pray that God will bring peace with each decision, and that our Faith may serve as the one foundation throughout it all.

I hope that you all are having a good Lent so far! My friend and I were laughing over the fact that "Clean Week" wasn't so clean within our own homes, from a "domestic arts" point of view. With all of the focus on services and increased prayer and spiritual exercise, I know that laundry and cleaning sort of fell by the wayside a bit. But, here I am in the second week of Lent, and each new day is a new opportunity to get back on the horse and try to do the right thing. Praise God for His infinite mercy!

My brothers and sisters, friends, acquaintances, lurkers.... please, PLEASE forgive me (I know, this is a week late, being that Forgiveness Vespers was two Sundays ago) for all that I might have done to offend you. If anything I've ever written about has caused confusion or distraction or resentment. And if I know you in person, forgive me all the more for any ways my sins have effected you.

Have a blessed and holy Lent! I might pop my head here and there throughout the next few weeks, we shall see :)

Love in Christ, XK