I'm Back!

Here's a little hello from me.  For a few months I needed to sleep more than write, but I'm feeling great again!  I just thought I'd warn you that I might get a little excited to be back into writing here again.  Here's why I was away.  I'll write about more interesting things and post photos another day :)

Fortunately ... I turned 30 something in May.  Umm, calculating ... 37.  I'm blessed with forgetfulness!! Easier to remember, Elijah turned 8 and Jasmine 7.  They delight me every day, and I'm so glad to have time to just savour their words, soft cheeks, cheeky giggles and sincere debates.  It's all a marvel.

Unfortunately ... at age 37 I felt like I'd passed my peak (sounds pathetic, but true) because I was always SO tired.  I got sick too, with a respiratory infection or virus that lasted most of two months.  It became hard to cook, clean, or even read aloud, and I was starting to think if we couldn't find the cause I might have to accept that a change of pace was God's plan for me (in hindsight, I guess it was, for a time).  I considered looking at back up plans for the kid's education.  Like s-s-school, with someone who might be awake and energetic.

Fortunately ... I had an 'ok' day here and there, enough to manage.  The kids were fine apart from sick of having a sick Mummy.  Pete was great (though exhausted from doing so much after work).  Even on bad days, I accepted that I had to rest, and stayed in bed and read the Bible, scribbled notes, let the kids play, slept and enjoyed the kids talking and reading to me.

Unfortunately ... for the second month, the kids had it too (no-one seems to know what IT was).  Then Pete.  The worst headaches, pains and coughs we can recall.  It was a nasty bug!!

Fortunately ... as I found out sometime in the midst of that, I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and anaemia, and now they're being treated I feel normal again, which is more than I hoped for.  Really, I was just praying to live.  Thank you Lord for allowing that!!  I've also cut out foods that make me feel sick (not much, just gluten, dairy, oats, coconut and a few minor things) and so I have energy again and I feel really well.

Please excuse my possible verbosity.
I'm just a tad glad to be back!

Homeschooling when Mum is sick

I've been sick for a over week, and the little change-of-season cold I thought I had has outstayed it's welcome.  We've done half-days all week.  Just the bare academic essentials.  Each day starts with our Bible study and prayer time;  a few read alouds when my voice is working, or DS7 feels like reading to us;  the kids proud to work independently and earn play money to spend in my Star Snack Shop; lots of play, cubby making and craft.

I thought I was bouncing back, but today my cough is rough, my head is pounding.  Then the guilt and doubts set in about the learning we haven't done this week ... even though I know the kids are doing fine, and I know they constantly learn even without my input.  But the question niggles ... am I doing enough?

The kids are supposed to be benefiting from tailor-made lessons, one on one time and a rich learning environment.  They are itching to get out and play.  With friends.  We had to cancel another play & learn together day at a friend's house.  After a short walk around the block, I wasn't even up to doing the bare minimum.  Instead the kids watched a new DVD (remember good ol' Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote?), played with playdough, messed around outside.  Now over lunch (easy, baked potato wedges) they're watching a phonics DVD.  DD has decided to pause it to copy some sentences, DS has lost interest and is building lego vehicles.

I know I could talk all day about Tidal Homeschooling, the benefits of kids having free time to be kids, opportunities for independence and responsibility, and Natural Learning ... but still I feel inadequate and need a little more reassurance today that I'm not making a big mistake by homeschooling the kids.

Some people homeschool through chronic pain and serious illness ... and this is just a flu or sinus infection.  I'm overreacting, right?

Here are some articles I dug out to help me get some perspective:

Crosswalk

Whatever state I am

Busy Mommy Media

Professor Mom

And a story which warmed my heart

There are lots of excellent tips in these pages, and after reading them I feel much more peaceful about this.  I'll continue to do my best, look to the Lord for encouragement and comfort, rest and read, let the kids play and maybe ask them to read me a get-well story.

This is where I'm at today.  I hope it helps someone :)

Out of touch

I have been out of touch lately for a few reasons.

Supportive ... of Pete and his family, missing his Dad and learning what life's like without him.  I feel it too, but seem to process emotions in waves.  It seems not real, yet also normal.  The peace of the Lord has helped us all so much.

Sickness interrupted my Spring-cleaning spree ... a rotten sore throat, head, cough, sinus infection, glandular thing.  Mostly Elijah and I, but Jasi has been snuffly and needy too so it's been full on.  I should have been in bed, and have had naps when I could, but have been busy nursing and nurturing.  Happier that way anyway!

Away on holiday ... starting today.  We're getting better, I hope!!!!  We've delayed for a day to try and be germ free and energetic.  So we're hitting the road for the national capital to see the sights, and spend a couple of days playing in snow!

Offline ... our connection is dodgy, dropping in and out.  That's ok because words have been elusive.  I've also been reading some inspiring books, which I'll write about when we get home.  I have written comments for your blogs but don't always get around to posting them because my inner editor is speaking too loudly and needs a tune up!!  Just know I care.

So ... I'm going to hit "publish" now, pack a few more things and head off into a fun family adventure.  See you when we return!