When momma needs a time out

My apologies dear readers, 

It has been a little bit since I've posted, but I do not want you to think it is because of you! You are GREAT! 
This has been one heck of a year and I need a time out! 

For instance, on January 9th, after a great day of homeschool and babysitting for a neighbor who just started to work the week before, I managed to break my fibula in two places, requiring a week-long hospital stay, a 2 and a half hour surgery, a steel plate and some bolts. Then, as if that weren't enough, my daughter calls me in frantic mode saying her husband of three months wants a divorce and has kicked her out (boy, he had us snowed!). Then, two days after she moves home, she has a sore throat and swollen glands. I initially thought it was her ear acting up again, and possibly strep... But that would be too easy. 

MUMPS! They are making a comeback, and our vaccinated daughter has contracted this darn virus. 
She attends college, previously worked in a factory, and has also been out in public. We've notified everyone, and along with the health department have taken proper precautions to keep the spread minimized. But... 

We are all on lockdown. Literally. No going to the store, to church, to businesses, etc. We are prisoners in our own home. So here I sit, in front of my computer, finishing up our days worth of lessons, and determined to not be depressed. No. I can't be depressed. Because I have been blessed. Most families lives would stop, in essence, when mom goes down. But not ours. 

You see, my husband, our leader, MY rock, has been caring for me since I returned from the hospital and has now assisted in caring for our daughter, while keeping the other four kids in line as well. From laundry to cooking, helping me bathe to running errands, he has been my sole reason for waking each morning, because to be honest, I didn't see myself doing anything more than crying. 

And my second semester of Graduate school started back one week after my fall. How was I going to get around that huge campus with a simple wheel chair. I've never been real physically astute. But after one trip to class from the parking garage, I decided I would need help. My son helps me on Wednesdays after his school is dismissed, and the campus services help me on Thursdays while he is in school. Yes, it was working great! Then mumps happened. 

I'm calling a time out. 

After this week, we will not do traditional homeschool. We will read aloud, do math games, have spelling contests, and other non-conventional ways of learning. Since I am limited in my physical capacity as teacher, I will do more to involve my kids in "thinking" learning. I'll prompt them with real life scenarios and see how each one responds and then we will discuss alternatives, should the need arise. We will approach a very organic method of learning for the next 6-8 weeks. Then, we will enjoy or spring break come hell or high water. After that, we will jump back on the horse and ride it like there is no tomorrow! 

Yes, I call a Time Out! 

Until next time, 
LaVonda