Some Quick Takes

Here are some random things going on in the life of the Clay Rosary Girl.

1. We started homeschooling today! My son is almost 4, so I thought I'd give this homeschooling thing a shot. I figure I can't screw it up too bad- it's only preschool!  Seriously though, I've always felt a calling toward teaching, which is why I got my degree in elementary education. But after teaching in classroom for a couple years, I realized it wasn't for me and wasn't going to work out if I wanted to stay home with my children.  So, this is the best of both worlds- I get to teach and I get to stay home with my children! We are using the Catholic Heritage Curriculum mostly. Today didn't go as planned, but I didn't expect it to.  Liam had fun and learned- goal accomplished!

2. I had an unexpected hospital stay this past weekend. I was admitted on Friday and got out on Monday.  On Friday, I had a sonogram and found out the baby's amniotic fluid was on the low side and was admitted to the hospital right away. It was scary because I am only 31 weeks along and it could have meant an emergency c-section. Thankfully, after IVs and bed rest, the fluid level went up a bit and I was able to come home on strict orders to drink plenty of fluids and take it easy- oh and the perinatal doctor also *prescribed* milk shakes once a week at Carl's :D  I got one on the way home!  I am very thankful for my Mother in Law who was able to come and take care of my kids and the home while I was gone.

3.  I am very close to finishing up my new children's jewelry line. I have included new first Communion pieces, and many other fun jewelry sets. My inspiration for this line: my super girly 19 month old daughter. She raids my jewelry box all the time and anytime she sees a clay rosary, it's around her neck.  Now hopefully she can leave my stuff alone!

4. I am changing time frame for getting orders out.  I used to try to get orders out within one to two business days of a person ordering it.  Now it's going to be 2- 5 business days.   Doctor's orders!

5. I've finished Holly Pierlot's book: A Mother's Rule of Life: How to bring order to your home and Peace to your Heart.

It's about putting one's vocation into a rule (just like nuns and brothers in religious orders have a rule they live by).  So as a wife, mother, bead maker, daughter of God, I have certain things I am called to do.  By ordering my life into a rule (kind of like a schedule, but with much more purpose), I am free from a life of chaos, exhaustion, and feeling like I always I have too much on my plate.  Holly writes her book from the perspective of a homeschooling mother of five, but her words of wisdom are good for any mother to hear. 

I've made a very rough copy of a rule and I intend to work out the kinks as I go. I'm not sure how it's going to work with an infant, but I will try it out.   I really like the idea of giving every moment to God- and when I don't feel like doing something that is on my rule- like cleaning, schooling or laundry, I can do it anyway, knowing that this is God's will for me.