I’ve been working on many projects the past few weeks. Using polymer clay, I made a dragon’s head (which will be used in another project) and a Pierrot inspired circus doll. In yarn, I crocheted several washcloths, two and a half hats, and a shrug (which I’ll probably never wear.) In fabric, I’ve started the boys’ Halloween costumes. For my home, I’ve built three wood frames to display a textile triptych which will replace my ugly experimental painting that is currently hanging above my fireplace. (I need to get a new blade for my miter saw before I can finish it.)

One more thing I’m working on right now is a type of creative outlet I’ve never really tried. It’s creative writing. I feel a little sheepish admitting that I’m writing for some reason. I feel like I need to say more about this, but I need some time to reflect first.

On an unrelated note, Rob has accepted a job that allows us to stay in Michigan. Huzzah!

Rob had three job interviews on Friday. One was a phone interview for the job in Baltimore. It was his first interview with them, so we won’t know anything until they finish their first round of applicants. Another was a follow-up phone interview for the job in St. Louis. No official offer has been made, but he’s been told the job is his if he wants it. The people in that group have already been talking about when he joins them, not if he joins.

The third job is in Michigan. Like Missouri, a formal offer hasn’t been made, but an offer letter has been drafted. We expect the offer to be made this week. Unless one of the out-of-state jobs makes Rob an offer that’s too good to refuse, it looks like we get to stay in Michigan. And that thought makes me very happy.

The boys started school today with a lot of enthusiasm. They were up and dressed before I was fully awake. I have more structured plans for this year than I did last year, but we’re still pretty relaxed. If pressed for an answer, I guess I might label our current attempt as “supplemented unschooling” or something along those lines. I intend to include some formal lessons, as well as some outside activities as part of their learning this year.

Our families have been mixed in their support for our decision to homeschool. My sister and my mom are cautiously supportive (I think they’d like to see us use more curriculum), while my dad and my MIL are kind enough to keep their disapproval away from my ears. Rob is sort of indifferent about homeschooling, but completely supportive about my decision. He’s confident that I will always do what I feel is best for our boys, whether I decide to homeschool or send them back to the public schools.